AbHIU.  DtPL 


.-  . 

UBRARV 


-: 


SHEEP  DISEASES 


BLACK-FACED  HIGHLAND  SHEEP  IN  THEIR  NATIVE  HOME 

Courtesy  Agricultural  Digest. 


VETERINARY  MEDICINE  SERIES 

No.  12 

Edited  by  D.  M.  CAMPBELL 


SHEEP  DISEASES 


BY 

E.  T.  BAKER,  D. V.  M. 


ILLUSTRATED 

.  •  '  •  T  •    ,      V"  •,' 


Chicago 

AMERICAN  JOURNAL  OF  VETERINARY  MEDICINE 
1916 


A«ric.  Dept 

COPYRIGHT.  1916 

BY 
D.  M.  CAMPBELL 


Cu 
G 


PREFACE. 


As  economical  producers  of  those  prime  neces- 
sities of  civilized  man,  good  food  and  good  cloth- 
ing, sheep  are  destined  to  increase  in  numbers, 
and  sheep  raising  to  speedily  attain  and  maintain 
a  more  important  place  in  the  animal  industry  of 
this  country.  Moreover,  it  being  also  a  fact  that 
of  all  domesticated  animals  sheep  possess  the 
least  natural  resistance  to  disease  and  particularly 
to  parasitism,  one  may  readily  appreciate  the 
importance  of  skilled  veterinary  service  for  the 
welfare  of  the  sheep  industry,  now  after  more  than 
a  century's  existence  in  this  country,  only  at  the 
threshold  of  its  development. 

It  is  unnecessary  to  emphasize  the  need  for 
works  dealing  authoritatively  with  disease  as  it 
occurs  in  sheep  and  its  treatment.  That  need  is 
acutely  realized  by  most  veterinary  practitioners. 
It  is  hoped  that  this  treatise  will  to  a  degree 
meet  the  requirements  of  the  searcher  for  practi- 
cal information  on  this  subject. 

The  major  portion  of  the  contents  of  this  vol- 
ume has  been  gathered  from  the  field  of  experi- 
ence and  is  presented  solely  from  the  viewpoint 
of  the  practitioner.  To  conserve  the  health  and 
prevent  disease  among  our  flocks  is  a  gigantic 
task,  and  one  worthy  of  the  highest  attainments. 
To  this  task,  in  his  limited  field,  have  been  de- 
voted the  best  efforts  of  the  writer,  throughout 
the  greater  part  of  his  veterinary  experience. 

Moscow,  Idaho. 
September,  1916. 

E.  T.  BAKER. 


346379 


CONTENTS 


PAGE 

LIST  OF  ILLUSTRATIONS 13 

SECTION  I. 

HISTORY  OF  THE  BREEDS 15 

Breeds — 1.  The  Fine  Wools  —  Merino,  Rambouillet. 
2.  The  Medium  Wools — Shropshire,  Southdown,  Oxford, 
Hampshire,  Cheviot,  Dorset,  Suffolk.  3.  The  Long 
Wools — Leicester,  Cotswold,  Lincoln.  4.  Lesser  Known 
Breeds — Romney  or  Kent,  Corriedale,  Karakul,  Black- 
faced  Highland,  Tunis,  Persian.  5.  Cross-bred  Sheep. 

SECTION  II. 

ANATOMY   53 

Skeleton;  Muscular  System;  Digestive  System;  Respira- 
tory System ;  Urinary  Organs ;  Male  Genital  Organs ; 
Female  Genital  Organs ;  Circulatory  System ;  Nervous 
System;  Organs  of  Special  Sense. 

SECTION  III. 

HYGIENE  , 63 

General  Care ;  Handling ;  Feeding ;  Shepherd's  Calendar ; 
Care  of  the  Ewe;  Care  of  the  Lamb;  Care  of  the  Buck. 

SECTION  IV. 

MEDICINES   AND  THEIR  ADMINISTRATION 75 

General  Consideration ;  Administering  Medicines ;  Dosage ; 
Table  of  Drugs ;  Emergency  Medicine  Case ;  Disinfect- 
ants ;  Post  Mortem  Examinations. 

SECTION  V. 

ACUTE  INFECTIOUS  DISEASES 84 

1.  Anthrax.  2.  Malignant  Edema,  3.  Blackleg. 
4.  Bradsot.  5.  Hemorrhagic  Septicemia.  6.  Rinder- 
pest. 7.  Sheep  Pox.  8.  Foot-and-Mouth  Disease. 
9.  Tetanus.  10.  Rabies.  11.  Tuberculosis.  12.  Case- 
ous Lymph-adenitis.  13.  Actinomycosis.  14.  Glanders. 
15.  Contagious  Abortion.  16.  Piroplasmosis.  17.  Foot 
Rot.  18.  Septicemia. 

9 


c      <        i    / 

ia  CONTENTS 

SECTION  VI.  PAGE 

DISEASES  OF  THE  BLOOD 99 

1.     Anemia.     2.     Red  Water.     3.     Pining. 

SECTION  VII. 

DISEASES  OF  METABOLISM 102 

1.     Obesity.     2.     Rachitis.     3.     Wool  Eating.     4.     Dia- 
betes. 

SECTION  VIII. 

DISEASES  OF  THE  URINARY  ORGANS 104 

1.     Hematuria.     2.     Uremia.     3.     Nephritis.     4.     Rare 
and  Unimportant  Diseases. 

SECTION  IX. 

DISEASES  OF  THE  CIRCULATORY  ORGANS 106 

1.       Pericarditis.       2.       Dropsy     of     the     Pericardium. 
3.     Hypertrophy  of  the  Heart.     4.     Valvular  Diseases. 

SECTION  X. 

DISEASES  OF  THE  RESPIRATORY  ORGANS 108 

1.      Epistaxis.     2.      Nasal    Catarrh.      3.      Non-Parasitic 
Bronchitis.       4.      Japp    Disease.       5.      Pneumonia. 

6.  Pleurisy. 

SECTION  XI. 

DISEASES  OF  THE  DIGESTIVE  SYSTEM Ill 

1.     Stomatitis.     2.      Choke.      3.     Bloat,      4.     Impaction 
of  the   Rumen.      5.     Grass   Staggers.     6.     Constipation. 

7.  Colic.     8.     Diarrhea.     9.     Enteritis.     10.     Piles. 

SECTION  XII. 

DISEASES  OF  THE  LIVER 120 

1.     Icterus.     2.     Hepatitis.     3.     Lupinosis. 

SECTION  XIII. 

DISEASES  OF  THE  PERITONEUM 121 

1.     Ascites.     2.     Peritonitis. 

SECTION  XIV. 

DISEASES  OF  THE  BRAIN  AND  SPINAL  CORD 124 

1.     Encephalitis.     2.     Apoplexy.     3.     Paralysis.    4.    Gid. 

SECTION  XV. 

DISEASES  OF  THE  ORGANS  OF  LOCOMOTION 126 

1.     Rheumatism. 


CONTENTS  11 

SECTION  XVI.  PAGE 

NON-PARASITIC  DISEASES  OF  THE  SKIN 127 

1.     Itch.    2.    Alopecia.    3.     Eczema.     4.    Rash.     5.  Acne. 

6.  Ring- worm. 

SECTION  XVII. 

DISEASES  OF  OBSCURE  ORIGIN 130 

1.     "Nibbling"  Disease.     2.     Louping-ill.     3.     Big  Head. 
4.     Pustular  Eruption. 

SECTION  XVIII. 
DISEASES  OF  THE  LAMB 132 

I.  Congenital  Defects.     2.     Reviving  "Lifeless"  Lambs. 

3.  Retention  of  the  Meconium.     4.     Navel-ill.     5.     Non- 
contagious    Diarrhea.      6.       White    Scours.      7.    Colic. 

8.  Constipation.     9.     Pustular  Eruption.     10.     Tetanus. 

II.  Stomatitis. 

SECTION  XIX. 

DISEASES  OF  THE  EWE 138 

1.     Disorders  of  Gestation.     2.     Abortion.     3.     Dystocia. 

4.  Decomposition   of   Fetus.      5.      Displacement   of   the 
Uterus.     6.     Eclampsia.      7.     Metritis.     8.     Mammitis. 

9.  Abnormalities  of  the  Milk.     10.     Sterility. 

SECTION  XX. 

DISEASES  OF  RAMS  AND  WETHERS 146 

1.     Gravel.     2.     Hernia.     3.     Bloody  Urine.     4.     Impo- 
tence. 

SECTION  XXI. 

SURGICAL  DISEASES 148 

1.    Diseased  Teeth.    2.     Concussion  of  the  Brain.  3.    Ab- 
scesses.    4.     Injuries.     5.     Suturing.     6.     Rumenotomy. 

7.  Puncture  of  the  Bladder.     8.     Fractures  and  Disloca- 
tions.    9.     Amputation  of  the  Claws.     10.     Panaritium. 

SECTION  XXII. 
PARASITIC  DISEASES   153 

A.  External  Parasites — 1.     Sheep  Scab.     2.    Head  Scab. 
3.     Foot  Scab.    4.    Sheep  Ticks.     5.    Lice.    6.    Mag- 
gots.    7.     Fleas.     8.     Flies. 

B.  Internal  Parasites— I.     Gid.     2.     Grub  in  the  Head. 
3.     Lung  Worms.     4.     Stomach  Worms.     5.     Liver 
Rot.     6.     Tapeworms.     7.     Esophagostomum  Colum- 
bianum.     8.     Sarcosporidiosis.     9.     Rare  Parasites. 


12  CONTENTS 

SECTION  XXIII.                                  PAGE 
POISONS    177 

A.  Mineral     Poisons — 1.        Lead,     Acute.       2.       Lead, 
Chronic.  3.    Arsenical,  Acute.    4.    Arsenical,  Chronic. 
5.    Phosphorus.    6.    Copper.    7.    Zinc.    8.    Mercury. 
9.     Alkali.     10.     Carbolic  Acid.     11.     Mineral  Acid. 
12.      Saltpeter.      13.      Common    Salt.      14.      Epsom 
Salts.     15.     Sheep  Dip.     16.    Lime.     17.    Petroleum. 
18.    Rare  Mineral  Poisonings. 

B.  Vegetable  Poisons. — Emergency  Treatment — 1.    Death 
Camas.     2.     Loco.     3.      Larkspur.     4.     Lupine.     5. 
Aconite.     6.    Water  Hemlock.     7.     Choke  Cherry.    8. 
Laurel.      9.     Veratrum.      10.     Ergot.      11.     Deadly 
Nightshade.     12.     Woody  Aster.     13.     Sneeze  Weed.. 
14.      Rubber    Weed.      15.      Strychnin.      16.      Cotton 
Seed  Meal.     17.     Tobacco.     18.     Digitalis.     19.    Tur- 
pentine.     20.      Rape    Seed.      21.      Croton    Oil.      22. 
Hemlock.    23.    Flax.    24.    Horse  Radish.    25.    Toad- 
stools.     26.      Potato   Tops.      27.      Poison    Oak.      28. 
Kafir  Corn   and   Sorghums.     29.     Bearded  Grasses. 
30.     Ensilage.     31.     Porcupine  Grass.     32.     Uncom- 
mon Plant  Poisonings. 

C.  Animal  Poisons. 

SECTION  XXIV. 

PREDATORY  ANIMALS 210 

1.      Coyote.      2.     Wild   Cats   and   Lynx.     3.      Wolf   and 
Cougar.     4.     Bear.     5.     Prairie  Dog. 

SECTION  XXV. 

QUARANTINE  AND  TRANSPORTATION  REGULATIONS 219 

Federal  Regulations;   State  Regulations. 

LIST  OF  PUBLICATIONS  CONSULTED 228 

INDEX    .  .   229 


ILLUSTRATIONS 


PAGE 

Black-faced  Highland    Frontispiece 

Musimon  of  Europe 16 

Merino,  Type  A — Champion  Ewe 17 

Merino,  Type  B — Champion  Ram 17 

African  Sheep • 19 

Merino,  Type  C — Champion  Ram 20 

Rambouillet — Champion  Ram   21 

Rambouillet — Champion  Ewe    21 

Argali     23 

Shropshire — Champion  Ram 25 

Shropshire — Champion  -Ewe     25 

Range    Rambouillets 27 

Typical  Western  Sheep  Owner's  Home  Twenty  Years  Ago 28 

Homes  Like  this  are  the  Rule  Among  the  Sheep  Men  Now.  ...    28 

Typical  Southdown  Ram 29 

Typical  Southdown  Ewe     29 

The  Bell  Wether 31 

Cheviot   32 

Oxford — Champion  Ram    33 

Oxford — Champion  Ewe 33 

Cheviot — Ram  and  Ewe 35 

Dorset 36 

A  Typical  Range  Sheep 36 

Typical  Hampshire  Ram 37 

Typical   Hampshire   Ewe 37 

On  the  Western  Range 39 

A  Few  of  a  Band  of  3,000 39 

The  Shepherd's  Assistant 40 

Western  Sheep  Dog 40 

Dorset — Champion  Ram  41 

Dorset — Champion  Ewe    41 

Karakul — A  Fur-bearing  Sheep 44 

Leicester — Ram     , 45 

Leicester — Ewe   45 

Typical  Tunis  Ram 47 

Cotswold — Champion  Ram 49 

Cotswold — Champion  Ewe    49 

13 


14  ILLUSTRATIONS 

PAGE 

Lincoln — Champion  Ram   50 

Lincoln — Champion  Ewe    50 

A  Western  Shearing  Camp 63 

Typical  Shearing  Pens  in  the  Range  Country 04,  65 

Lambs  at  Shearing  Time  Cut  Away  from  Ewes 69 

How  a  Lamb  is  Docked  with  Hot  Pinchers 71 

Bacillus  Anthracis 84 

Bacillus  of  Blackleg 86 

"Stunts"  with  the  Lariat 106 

Counting  Six  Thousand 107 

Sheep-scab  Mite— Male   155 

Sheep-scab  Mite — Female 156 

First  Stage  of  Scab  on  Shoulder : 158 

Characteristic  Scab  Lesions,  Early  Stages 159 

Scabby  Buck,  Hindquarters  Affected 160 

Sheep  Tick 162 

Sheep  Louse    163 

Sheep  Foot  Louse 164 

Estrus  Ovis  167 

Distoma  Hepaticum 170 

Sacs  of  Miescher  from  Muscles 173 

A  Pine  Tree  Growing  in  Solid  Rock 186 

Coyote  Killers 210 

Coyote 212 

The  Old  Wolf  Shot  and  Helpless 213 

Wolf  Pups  in  Front  of  Den 214 

Wild  Cat   , 215 

Lynx  Cat  Caught  in  Trap 216 

A  Sheep-Killing  Bear 217 

COLOPv  PLATES 

Death    Camas / 176a 

Purple  Loco 184a 

Larkspur  192a 

Lupine  200a 

Aconite 208a 

Water  Hemlock 216a 


SECTION  I. 

HISTORY  OF  THE  BREEDS. 

The  word  sheep  is  of  unknown  etymology,  and 
the  origin  of  the  animal  itself  is  veiled  in  obscurity 
as  great.  It  is  supposed  that  domesticated  sheep 
originated  from  the  wild  forms  of  sheep,  the 
"Mouflon,"  the  "Musimon,"  and  the  "Argali." 

The  sheep  is  also  one  of  the  oldest  of  all  do- 
mesticated animals;  the  different  breeds  are  the 
result-s  of  environment,  combined  with  man's 
ingenuity.  For  detailed  histories  the  reader  is 
referred  to  the  various  excellent  texts  on  sheep 
management1;  space  permits  us  to  give  only  the 
briefest  mention  of  the  development  of  the  sheep 
industry  in  this  country. 

No  domesticated  sheep  were  found  in  North 
America  by  the  early  explorers,  and  the  wild 
Eocky  Mountain  sheep  has  never  been  tamed 
nor  crossed  with  domesticated  breeds. 

For  centuries,  Spain  controlled  the  fine-wool 
sheep  of  the  world,  and  no  exportations  were 
allowed  to  other  countries,  until  in  1765,  when 
three  hundred  Spanish  sheep  were  introduced 
into  Saxony  by  royal  favor,  and  became  the  foun- 
dation stock  of  the  Saxony  Merinos.  In  1783,  the 
French  government  imported  Spanish  sheep  and 


iThose  consulted  were  : 

Craig's  "Sheep  Farming." 

Wing's  "Sheep  Farming  in  America." 

Kleinheinz's  "Sheep  Management." 

15 


16 


SHEEP  DISEASES. 


established  them   on  a  farm  near  Paris,  called 
Rambouillet,   progenitors    of   the   breed   of   that 


name. 


MUSIMON  OF  EUROPE. 

Courtesy  American    Sheep  Breeder. 


During  the  first  quarter  of  the  nineteenth  cen- 
tury Merinos  were  introduced  into  the  United 
States.  In  1801,  the  wool  industry,  that  has  made 
that  state  the  leader  of  fine-wool  sheep,  was 
started  in  Ohio.  The  same  year  a  number  of  Ram- 
bouillets  were  sent  to  New  York  by  Robert  Living- 
stone, our  minister  to  France.  In  1802,  General 


M 


MEIJI.NO,  lYi'E  A — Champion  Ewe. 


MERINO,  TYPE  B — Champion  Ram. 


HISTORY  OF  THE  BREEDS.  19 

Humphries,  our  minister  to  Spain,  sent  to  his 
native  state,  Connecticut,  nearly  one  hundred  head 
of  pure-bred  Merinos.  In  1809,  William  Jarvis, 
our  minister  to  Portugal,  sent  four  thousand  pure- 
bred Merinos  to  Vermont.  The  next  two  years,  it 
is  estimated,  nearly  twenty  thousand  sheep  were 
brought  to  this  country  and  the  industry  thus 
started  on  foundation  stock  of  the  best  blood. 

Due  to  the  low  altitude  and  moist  climate  of 
England,  the  Merino  breeds  have  never  done  well 


«  vrr 

AFRICAN   SHEEP. 

Courtesy  American    Sheep  Breeder. 

in  that  island,  and,  as  a  result,  the  attention  of 
breeders,  particularly  of  Eobert  Bakewell,  was 
early  given  to  improving  the  mutton  qualities  of 
their  sheep.  All  of  our  breeds  of  medium  and 
long-wool  sheep,  chiefly  of  the  mutton  types,  have 
originated  from  strains  long  bred  in  England  for 
their  mutton  producing  qualities. 

In  all  countries  of  the  world  the  sheep  industry 


20 


SHEEP  DISEASES. 


lias  flourished  and  has  produced  untold  wealth  for 
the  owners.  While  it  is  a  far  cry  from  the  times 
of  Abel  and  Abraham,  and  the  shepherds  with 
their  little  flocks  on  the  Chaldean  hills  in  Biblical 
story,  to  the  present  day  of  gigantic  sheep  ranches 
of  Australia,  Argentine  and  the  United  States,  the 
habits  of  this  docile  animal  have  remained  prac- 
tically the  same  as  they  were  at  the  dawn  of  civil- 
ization. 


MERIXO,  TYPE  C — Champion  Ram. 

In  round  numbers,  there  are  about  six  hundred 
million  sheep  in  the  world,  divided  as  follows : 
60,000,000  head  in  North  America,  the  United 


States, 
named. 


Mexico    and    Canada    leading    in    order 


RAMBOUILLET — Champion  Ram. 


-ATE  II. 


RAMBOUILLET — Champion  Ewe. 


HISTORY  OF  THE  BREEDS.  23 

120,000,000  in  South  America,  the  great  majority 
being  found  in  Argentine,  Uruguay  and  Chile. 

130,000,000  in  Europe,  the  leading  sheep  raising 
countries  being  European  Russia,  Great  Britain, 
European  Turkey,  France,  Spain  and  Austria- 
Hungary. 

115,000,000  in  Asia,  Asiatic  Turkey,  Asiatic 
Russia  and  India  leading. 

60,000,000  in  Africa,  South  Africa  and  Algeria 
producing  nearly  two-thirds  of  the  total. 

115,000,000  in  Asia, 
Asiatic  Turkey,  Asiatic 
Russia  and  India  leading. 
60,000,000  in  Africa, 
South  Africa  and  Algeria 
producing  nearly  two- 
thirds  of  the  total. 

115,000,000   in    Ocean- 
ARGALI-  ica,  Australia  and  New 

Courtesy  American   Sheep  Breeder. 

Zealand  leading. 

The  three  foremost  sheep  producing  countries 
in  order  named  are  Australia,  Argentine  and  the 
United  States. 

In  these  days  of  inventions  and  improvements, 
no  substitute  for  wool  has  ever  yet  been  devised. 
The  sheep  remains  the  only  machine  that  can 
transform  the  forage  from  deserts  and  forests  into 
fleecy  wool  and  delicious  mutton,  and  it  will  thrive 
where  other  animals  starve  to  death.  Its  chief 
disadvantage  is  its  very  feeble  resistance  to  para- 
sites and  diseases,  the  prevention  of  which  is  the 
greatest  task  of  the  shepherd. 


24  SHEEP  DISEASES. 

The  classification  of  the  breeds  according  to  the 
fineness  of  the  wool-fibre  seems  to  be  the  common 
custom,  the  three  classes  being: 

1.  The  fine-wool. 

2.  The  medium-wool. 

3.  The  long-wool. 

A  convenient  table  is  as  follows: 

FINE  LIGHT-FACED 

Merino  Merino 

MEDIUM  Cotswold 

Shropshire  Dorset 

Southdown  Leicester 

Oxford  Lincoln 

Hampshire  Cheviot 
Cheviot  DARK-FACED 

Dorset  Shropshire 

Suffolk  Southdown 

LONG  Hampshire 

Leicester  Oxford 

Lincoln  Suffolk 
Cotswold 

In  this  country,  the  Merino  blood,  crossed  with 
medium  and  long-wool  rams,  has  been  extensively 
used. 

I.    THE  FINE-WOOLS. 

Merino. 

This  well-known  breed  seems  to  have  been 
known  in  Spain  since  the  earliest  records.  It  is 
supposed  they  were  brought  to  Spain  from  Italy, 
where  they  had  been  taken  by  a  band  of  Grecians 
to  the  city  of  Tarentum.  From  the  eighth  to  the 
thirteenth  centuries  under  the  regime  of  the  Sara- 
cens and  Moors,  the  wool  industry  flourished  in 
Spain.  As  previously  stated,  no  exportations  were 
made  from  Spain  until  1765,  when  the  Elector  of 
Saxony  secured  three  hundred  Merinos  and  bred 


SHROPSHIRE — Champion  Ram. 


PLATE  III. 


SHROPSHIRE — Champion  Ewe. 


HISTORY  OP  THE  BREEDS. 


them  so  carefully  that  they  constitute  a  famous 
branch  of  the  Merino,  called  the  Saxony  Merinos. 

In  1783,  France  imported  a  large  number  of 
Spanish  Merinos  and  placed  them  at  Eambouillet, 
near  Paris,  and  there  created  the  breed  known  as 
Rambouillets.  Von  Homeyer,  of  Pomerania,  Ger- 
many, improved  this  type  so  much,  that  a  special 
breed  known  as  the  Von  Homeyer  Rambouillets  is 
in  existence.  This  type  was  brought  to  Ohio  in 
1851,  and  has  since  flourished. 

Many  other  types  of  the  Merino  have  been  devel- 
oped in  this 
country, 
among  them 
being  the 
Standard  De- 
laines, Na- 
tional De- 
laines, I  m  - 
proved  D  e  - 
laines,  Dick- 
i  n  s  o  n  De- 
laines, and 
Black  -  top 
Spanish  Me- 
rinos. 

At  the  present  time  it  is  customary  to  divide 
the  Merino  into  three  classes: 

Class  A:  The  extreme  wool  production  type. 
The  entire  body  is  covered  with  folds  and  wrin- 
kles, and  there  is  an  abundance  of  yolk  in  the 
fleece. 


RAMBOUILLETS. 


28 


SHEEP  DISEASES. 


Class  B:  The  body  is  not  so  wrinkled,  which 
makes  the  shearing  easier.  It  is  the  commercial 
type  for  wool  production.  This  does  not  include 
the  Rambouillet. 


1 


TYPICAL  WESTERN  SHEEP  OWNER'S  HOME  TWENTY  YEARS  AGO. 


HOMES    LIKE    THIS    ARE    THE    RULE    AMONG    THE    SHEEP    MEN    NOW. 


Class  C:     This  type  has  a  longer  fibre  and  the. 
skin  is  nearly  free  from  folds.     These  are  better 


TYPICAL  SOUTHDOWN  RAM. 


TYPICAL  SOUTHDOWN  EWE. 


HISTORY  OF  THE  BREEDS. 


31 


mutton  producers  than  the  two  above-mentioned 
types.    It  includes  the  Delaine  Merino. 

The  Rambouillet. 

The  Rambouillet  is  smooth-bodied,  except  for  a 
few  wrinkles  on  the  neck.  The  rams  have  large, 
spiral-shaped  horns,  while  the  ewes  are  hornless. 
This  breed  is  larger  and  more  growthy  than  the 
Merino,  but  its  wool  is  not  so  fine. 


THE  BELL  WETHER. 


II. 


THE  MEDIUM-WOOLS. 

Shropshire. 

This  breed  was  first  recognized  in  the  early  fif- 
ties of  the  last  century,  and  was  brought  to  per- 
fection in  the  central  counties  of  England.  It  is 
one  of  the  most  popular  of  all  western  range  sheep, 
the  "Shrops"  being  a  general-purpose  breed. 

Quick  to  mature,  hardy,  good  mothers,  prolific 
breeders,  easy  feeders  and  good  rustlers,  they  have 
attained  their  position  by  their  sterling  qualities. 


32 


SHEEP  DISEASES. 


They  are  medium  in  size,  and  cross  well  with  other 
breeds.    They  are  dark-faced. 

The  first  Shropshires  were  brought  to  this  coun- 
try in  1833.    They  were  taken  to  Ohio. 

Southdown. 

This  is  also  a  dark-faced,  medium-wool  breed. 


CHEVIOT. 

Courtesy   Dotshome   Farms. 

It  is  perhaps  the  oldest  of  the  British  types,  its 
history  dating  back  for  many  centuries. 

They  are  noted  for  their  low,  compact  bodies, 
with  small  bone,  and  excellent  wool.  As  a  mutton 
sheep  they  are  unexcelled. 


Ox i OKU — Champion  Ram. 


'LATE   V. 


OXFORD — Champion  Ewe. 


HISTORY  OF  THE  BREEDS. 


35 


Some  claim  specimens  of  this  breed  were 
brought  with  the  Pilgrims,  and  that  as  early  as 
1688  they  were  found  in  Virginia.  In  1803  a 
small  flock  was  imported  into  New  York,  and  in 
1824  to  1825  many  more  were  imported. 

Oxford. 

The  Oxford  originated  from  crossing  Cots  wold 
rams  on  Southdown  and  Hampshire  ewes.  This 
was  begun  in  about  1830,  and  in  1861  they  were 
recognized  as  a  distinct  breed. 


CHEVIOT — Ram  and  Ewe. 


They  are  very  large  and  mature  quickly.  They 
yield  the  heaviest  fleece  of  any  of  the  Down  breeds, 
fifteen  pounds  being  a  common  average.  Tt  is  an 
excellent  small-band  sheep,  consuming  large  quan- 
tities of  food  and  making  good  gains.  As  a  f orag- 


36 


SHEEP  DISEASES. 


ing  sheep  it  is  inferior  to  the  Shropshire.     It  is 
dark-faced. 


DORSKT — Valley  View  Farm,  Wasco,  111. 

Hampshire. 

This  breed  was  evolved  from  sheep  raised  in 
Hampshire  and  Wiltshire,  England,  crossed  with 


A  TYPICAL  RANGE  SHEEP. 


TYPICAL  HAMPSHIRE  RAM. 


PLATE  VI. 


TYPICAL  HAMPSHIRE  EWE. 


HISTORY  OF  THE  BREEDS. 


39 


Southdown  rams.  Some  claim  Cotswolds  also 
were  used  in  the  cross.  The  breed  is  over  one 
hundred  years  old,  and  is  a  very  popular  one 


ON  THE  WESTERN  RANGE. 

where  food  is  abundant.  It  makes  larger  gains 
than  any  other  Down  breed  during  the  first  part 
of  its  life. 

The  wool  is  not  heavy.     The  ewe  is  very  pro- 
lific, and  the  lambs  of  such  quick  growth  that  they 


A  FEW  OF  A  BAND  OF  3,000. 

make  an  excellent  "hot-house"  variety  for  early 
markets. 

Cheviot. 

The  Cheviot  acquires  its  name  from  the  Cheviot 
Hills  on  the  boundary  between  England  and  Scot- 


40 


SHEEP  DISEASES. 


land.    This  breed  is  as  old  as  the  earliest  records. 
They  are  great  foragers,  resembling  the  Shrop- 


THE  SHEPHEBD'S  ASSISTANT. 

The  well  trained  sheep  dog,  with  almost 

human   intelligence,   is   indispensable. 

shire  in  this  respect.  On  account  of  the  strife 
and  "Border  Wars"  resulting  from  the  frequent 
disagreements  between  English  and  Scottish 


WESTERN  SHEEP  DOG. 


DORSET — Champion  Ram. 


PLATE    VII. 


DORSET— Champion  Ewe. 


HISTORY  OF  THE  BREEDS.  43 

chiefs,  the  breed  was  not  improved  for  centuries. 
With  long  bodies,  they  were  adapted  for  moun- 
tain ranging,  and  were  known  as  the  "long 
sheep. 9 '  Crossing  has  given  them  better  conforma- 
tion. They  are  excellent  wool  and  mutton  pro- 
ducers, good  foragers,  and  are  gaining  in  popu- 
larity. Their  beauty  and  alert  activity  have  con- 
tributed not  a  little  in  this. 

Dorset. 

This  breed  is  white-faced;  it  is  peculiar  in  that 
both  ram  and  ewe  have  horns.  The  Dorsets  seem 
to  have  sprung  from  a  breed  common  in  the 
southern  and  central  parts  of  England  since  the 
earliest  times.  The  county  of  Dorset  was  espe- 
cially famed  for  this  kind  of  sheep,  hence  the 
name.  About  1862  they  were  recognized  as  a 
distinct  breed. 

Their  great  prolificacy  renders  the  Dorset  valu- 
able for  intensive  farming;  two  lambings  a  year, 
and  frequently  twins,  is  the  record.  If  only  one 
crop  of  lambs  is  raised,  the  Dorset  ewe  will  come 
in  season  very  early,  and  produce  lambs  for  the 
"hot-house"  trade. 

Suffolk. 

The  progenitors  of  this  breed  were  known  as 
the  Norfolks,  and  thrived  in  southeastern  Eng- 
land. They  were  hardy  and  good  rangers.  Along 
in  the  early  part  of  the  last  century  they  were 
improved  by  crossing  with  the  Southdowns;  in 
1859  they  were  recognized  as  a  distinct  breed. 


44  SHEEP  DISEASES. 

This  animal  is  somewhat  smaller  than  a  Hamp- 
shire but  larger  than  a  Shropshire.  The  lambs 
are  usually  black.  They  are  not  well  known  in 
this  country. 

III.     THE  LONG-WOOLS. 

Leicester. 

About  1755  Eobert  Bake  well,  the  famous  agri- 
cultural genius  of  England,  began  to  mate  well 


KARAKUL — A  Fur-bearing  Sheep. 

formed  sheep  found  in  Leicester  county.  Soon  he 
had  made  a  notable  improvement,  and  a  new 
breed  came  into  being,  known  as  the  Leicester 
(pronounced  les-ter). 

The  body  is   excellent  in   shape   and   smooth- 
ness, but  the  lightness  of  wool  on  the  belly  and 


LKICESTKK — Ram. 


LEICESTEB — Ewe. 


•LATE    VJ1I. 


HISTORY  OF  THE  BREEDS.  47 

length  of  legs  gives  it  a  somewhat  "leggy"  ap- 
pearance. The  original  animal,  as  Bakewell  bred 
it,  was  not  hardy,  since  he  sacrificed  constitu- 
tion and  stamina  for  shapely  type. 

Their  excellence  consists  in  fattening  quickly 
where  food  is  abundant.  For  this  reason  the  Lei- 
cester ram  is  often  used  for  crossing  on  other 
breeds  where  early  fat  lambs  are  desired. 


TYPICAL  Tu^is  RAM. 

The  Border  Leicester  was  originated  by  Cully, 
who  secured  Leicester  rams  from  Bakewell  and 
crossed  them  on  an  old  long  wool  breed,  called  the 
Teeswaters.  The  head  of  the  Border  Leicester 
is  free  from  wool,  while  the  Leicester  has  a  tuft. 


48  SHEEP  DISEASES. 

Cotswold. 

The  Cotswold  is  said  to  have  originated  from 
two  words:  " Cotes, "  referring  to  the  barn  in 
which  the  sheep  are  kept,  and  * '  wold, ' '  to  an  open, 
rolling  upland  range.  The  early  history  of  this 
breed  is  veiled  in  obscurity,  although  it  is  claimed 
they  were  found  in  England  when  Caesar  visited 
the  island. 

Some  authorities  claim  the  present  breed  is  the 
result  of  crossing  the  original  Cotswold  with 
Bakewell's  improved  Leicesters.  This  cross  re- 
duced the  size,  increased  the  mutton  quality,  and 
lessened  the  resistance  to  disease. 

The  Cotswold  is  a  large,  massive  appearing 
sheep,  with  long  wool,  fine  in  fibre.  A  valuable 
feature  of  this  breed  is  its  prepotency.  In  cross- 
ing with  other  breeds  it  unfailingly  transmits  its 
tendency  to  increase  the  size  and  the  weight  of 
the  fleece.  It  is  a  valuable  breed  for  intensive 
farming. 

Lincoln. 

This  is  another  ancient  breed,  improved  to  their 
present  high  standard  by  crossing  with  the  Lei- 
cesters. The  original  breed  was  found  in  Lincoln- 
shire, England,  hence  the  present  name.  In  1862 
they  were  recognized  as  a  distinct  breed,  and 
have  been  extensively  imported  to  the  United 
States  and  Canada. 

This  is  the  largest  breed  of  sheep,  being  mas- 
sive, strong  boned,  and  yielding  heavy  fleeces. 
They  are  extremely  popular  in  crossing  on  Merino 
ewes;  the  progeny  have  a  fine,  large,  lustrous 
fleece. 


COTSWOLD — Champion  Ram. 


•J.ATI-:  ix. 


COTSWOLU — Champion  Ewe. 


LINCOLN — Champion  Ram. 


LINCOLN — Champion  Ewe. 
PLATE  x. 


HISTORY  OF  THE  BREEDS.  51 

In  the  West,  they  are  valuable  small  ranch 
sheep,  giving  great  returns  in  wool,  mutton  and 
lambs. 

LESSER  KNOWN  BREEDS. 

Romney  or  Kent. 

This  breed  originated  in  southeastern  England, 
and  some  splendid  specimens  are  found  in  this 
country.  Their  chief  use  on  the  range  is  to  cross 
on  the  Merino.  They  are  white-faced. 

Corriedale. 

These  sheep  were  recognized  as  a  distinct  breed 
in  New  Zealand  about  1911.  They  originated 
from  crossing  Lincoln  rams  on  Merino  ewes.  They 
are  highly  thought  of  as  wool  and  mutton  pro- 
ducers, especially  for  the  frozen  meat  trade.  They 
are  becoming  more  extensively  raised  in  the 
United  States,  several  fine  bands  being  found  in 
the  West. 

Karakul. 

Karakul  sheep  in  small  numbers  have  been  im- 
ported into  the  United  States.  This  is  a  fur- 
bearing  animal,  a  native  of  Bokhara,  a  Russian 
dependency,  and,  due  to  the  laws  of  this  little 
country,  forbidding  any  exportations  of  sheep,  are 
little  known  outside  of  their  native  heath.  They 
have  been  crossed  with  various  other  breeds,  such 
as  Merinos,  the  progeny  being  called  "Karakul 
Finewools,"  and  with  Persians,  the  cross  being 
known  as  "Karakul  Persians. "  The  latter  cross 
produces  very  fine  skins. 


52  SHEEP  DISEASES. 

The  Black-Faced  Highland. 

This  breed  is  an  inhabitant  of  the  Cheviot  Hills, 
and  is  also  known  as  the  Black-faced  Heath.  It 
is  of  the  long-wool  type.  (See  frontispiece.) 

Tunis. 

The  foundation  stock  for  this  breed  was  im- 
ported from  Africa  over  a  century  ago,  but  the 
Civil  War  almost  destroyed  it.  The  distinguish- 
ing mark  is  an  exceedingly  long,  fat  tail,  and  the 
hornless  head  covered  with  tawny,  brown  hair. 

Persian. 

Persian  sheep  were  introduced  to  this  country 
some  years  ago.  When  crossed  with  Merinos  they 
have  done  well  in  the  arid  regions  of  the  west. 

CROSS-BRED  SHEEP. 

Cross-bred  sheep  are  commonly  raised  by  range 
men  who  desire  a  hardy  animal,  combining  the 
qualities  of  several  breeds.  The  commonest  crosses 
are  the  long- wools,  such  as  the  Lincoln  and  Cots- 
wold,  on  the  Merino.  Other  well  known  crosses 
are  the  Shropshire  and  Hampshire  on  the  Merino. 
Due  to  different  range  conditions,  a  cross  success- 
ful in  some  part  of  the  country  may  prove  value- 
less in  another.  Arguments  about  the  "best 
breed"  or  the  "best  cross"  are  but  a  waste  of 
time;  the  desideratum  being  ultimate  profit. 


SECTION  II. 

ANATOMY. 

The  anatomy  of  the  sheep  greatly  resembles 
that  of  the  ox  in  general.  A  brief  summary  is  as 
follows:2 

THE  SKELETON. 
Vertebrae. 

The  vertebrae  are  forty-nine  to  fifty-one  in  num- 
ber: seven  cervical;  thirteen  thoracic;  six  lumbar; 
five  sacral  (fused  into  one  bone),  and  eighteen 
to  twenty  coccygeal. 

Ribs  and  Sternum. 

There  are  normally  thirteen  pairs  of  ribs;  eight 
pairs  of  sternal,  and  five  pairs  asternal. 

The  sternum  consists  of  seven  sternebrae;  the 
cariniform  cartilage  being  absent. 

The  thorax  is  relatively  short  and  wide. 

Cranium  and  Face. 

The  occipital  is  very  strong  and  thick. 
The  sphenoid  is  very  short. 
The  ethmoid  rather  extensive. 
The  interparietals  small. 

The  parietals  form  part  of  the  temporal  fossae. 
The  f rentals  form  nearly  one-half  the  length  of 
the  skull. 


^Sisson's     "The     Anatomy     of     the     Domestic     Animals"     was 
consulted. 

53 


54  SHEEP  DISEASES. 

The  temporals,  divided  into  the  squamous  and 
petrous  parts,  which  fuse  at  birth,  form  protective 
coverings  for  the  auditory  canal. 

The  maxilla  is  short  and  broad. 

The  premaxilla  is  thin  and  flattened. 

The  palatine  bone  is  relatively  large. 

The  pterygoid  bone  is  comparatively  large. 

The  nasal  bones  are  short,  the  size  depending 
on  the  breed. 

The  lacrimal  bone  is  large. 

The  malar  bone  is  relatively  large. 

The  turbinals  are  very  fragile. 

The  vomer  is  wide,  its  size  depending  on  the 
breed. 

The  mandible  or  inferior  maxilla  does  not  com- 
pletely fuse  during  life. 

The  hyoid  is  very  short. 

The  skull,  as  a  whole,  is  very  powerful  and  well 
protects  the  head.  The  sheep's  chief  weapon 
of  defense  is  butting,  and  its  head  has  been  de- 
veloped to  withstand  extraordinary  concussion. 

Thoracic  or  Front  Limb. 

The  bones  of  the  front  limb  are  small  but  power- 
ful, and  consist  of  the  following: 

The  scapula  is  nearly  triangular  in  shape. 

The  humerus  is  short,  and  has  a  very  small 
deltoid  tuberosity. 

The  radius  is  short  and  relatively  broad. 

The  ulna  extends  nearly  the  whole  length  of 
the  radius. 

The  carpus  consists  of  six  bones,  four  in  the 
upper  row  and  two  in  the  lower. 


ANATOMY.  55 

The  metacarpus  consists  of  the  large  metacarpal 
and  a  small  metacarpal. 

The  digits  are  four  in  number,  only  two  are 
fully  developed.  They  have  three  phalanges  and 
three  sesamoids  each. 

Pelvic  Limb. 

The  ilia  are  almost  parallel. 

The  ischium  is  relatively  large.  The  acetabu- 
lum  is  very  small,  and  the  pelvic  inlet  is  rather 
elliptical  and  oblique. 

The  femur  is  comparatively  small  and  cyl- 
indrical. 

The  tibia  is  short  and  curved. 

The  fibula  consists  of  the  two  extremities  con- 
nected by  a  structure  resembling  a  cord. 

The  patella  is  rather  long  and  narrow. 

The  tarsus  consists  of  five  bones,  several  being 
fused  together. 

The  large  metatarsus  is  longer  than  the  corre- 
sponding metacarpus;  the  small  metatarsus  being 
a  quadrilateral  disc. 

The  phalanges  and  sesamoids  are  almost  iden- 
tical with  those  of  the  front  limb. 

Joints  and  Ligaments. 

The  temporo-mandibular  articulations  permit 
of  the  extensive  lateral  movements  of  rumination. 

The  ligamentum  nuchae  is  well  developed. 

The  articulations  of  the  thorax  are  immovable. 

The  shoulder  joint  has  an  acute  articular  angle. 

In  the  elbow  joint  no  movement  occurs  between 
the  radius  and  ulna. 


56  SHEEP  DISEASES. 

The  carpal  joints  are  very  free. 

The  metacarpo-phalangeal  joints  are  two  for 
each  digit. 

The  sacro-iliac  joint  is  very  strong. 

The  hip  joint  is  well  protected  by  a  marginal 
cartilage  which  reinforces  the  shallow  acetabulum. 

In  the  stifle  joint  the  synovia!  sacs  communicate 
so  freely  as  to  form  a  common  joint  cavity. 

The  tibio-fibular  joint  is  a  complete  arthrosis. 

The  hock  joint  has  very  little  mobility. 

Adapted  as  the  sheep  is  for  mountain  climb- 
ing, its  joints  are  very  strong,  and  dislocations 
are  rare. 

THE   MUSCULAR   SYSTEM. 

The  panniculus  is  well  developed. 

The  masseter  is  not  large  but  is  well  developed. 

The  hyoid  muscles  are  very  strong. 

The  diaphragm  is  appreciably  more  oblique  than 
in  the  ox,  and  relatively  wide. 

The  muscles  of  the  shoulder  girdle,  shoulder, 
arm,  forearm,  abdomen,  pelvis  and  pelvic  limb  are 
similar  to  those  of  other  animals. 

There  are  four  extensors  of  the  leg  and  foot. 

Sprains  of  muscles,  even  on  the  roughest  of 
ground,  with  much  jumping,  rarely  occur  in  sheep. 

THE  DIGESTIVE  SYSTEM. 

The  lips  are  thin,  and  the  upper  one  marked 
by  a  distinct  cleft. 

The  hard  palate  is  smooth,  and  the  mucous  mem- 
brane more  or  less  pigmented. 

The  cheeks  are  lined  with  large  papillae. 


ANATOMY.  57 

The  tongue  has  a  smooth  tip. 

The  milk  teeth  number  twenty. 

There  are  thirty-two  permanent  teeth:  eight 
incisors  in  the  lower  jaw;  none  in  the  upper;  six 
molars  in  each  arcade,  or  twelve  in  the  lower  and 
twelve  in  the  upper  jaw.  The  cement  is  usually 
black.  The  following  table  gives  the  eruption 
periods  of  the  various  teeth: 


Teeth 

Temporary 

Permanent 

Central    incisors          At 

birth 

1  year 

Second           "               1st 

or 

2d  week 

2 

" 

Third                            2d 

or 

3d 

3 

" 

Corner                           3d 

or 

4th     " 

4 

•• 

First  molar                  4th 

week 

1% 

to  2  years 

Second 

' 

" 

11 

Third 

« 

" 

" 

Fourth 

3  to 

5  months 

Fifth 

Giv+Vi 

; 

9  to 

1     tn 

12 

9    trot)  re 

When  the  lamb  is  about  a  year  old,  the  central 
pair  of  milk  teeth  drop  out,  succeeded  by  a  pair 
of  permanent  teeth. 

About  two  years  of  age,  the  second  pair  of  milk 
teeth  (on  each  side  of  the  centrals)  drop  out, 
and  permanent  teeth  take  their  place. 

A  year  later,  the  third  pair  of  milk  teeth  are 
"shed"  and  the  permanent  teeth  have  appeared 
in  their  place. 

At  about  four  years  of  age,  all  the  milk  teeth 
have  vanished  and  the  sheep  has  a  i  i  full  mouth. ' ' 

Forced  feeding  and  fattening  cause  the  teeth  to 
shed  earlier;  some  show  sheep  having  lost  sev- 
eral of  their  permanent  teeth  before  the  age  of 
five  years.  However,  as  a  rule,  the  seven-year-old 
has  lost  one  or  two,  and  has  a  "broken  mouth"; 
but  one  cannot  tell  the  age  of  sheep  with  cer- 
tainty, by  the  teeth. 


58  SHEEP  DISEASES. 

The  salivary  glands  are  well  formed  and  the 
parotid  ducts  open  opposite  the  third  molar. 

The  tonsil  is  bean- shaped  and  about  one-half 
inch  long. 

The  pharynx  has  a  median  fold  which  is  a  con- 
tinuation of  the  nasal  septum. 

The  esophagus  has  a  lumen  of  about  one  inch 
when  moderately  distended. 

The  four  compartments  of  the  stomach — the 
rumen,  reticulum,  omasum  and  abomasum — have 
a  total  capacity  of  about  four  gallons.  The 
omasum  is  very  small,  having  a  capacity  of  only 
a  pint.  The  abomasum  is  larger,  holding  nearly 
two  quarts. 

The  small  intestines  are  about  eighty  feet  long, 
and  the  lumen  is  about  one  inch  in  diameter. 

The  cecum  is  about  a  foot  long,  and  of  a  capac- 
ity of  nearly  a  quart. 

The  colon  is  about  fifteen  feet  long,  its  lumen 
ranging  from  one  inch  to  two  inches. 

The  liver  weighs  about  one  and  one-half  pounds, 
and  lies  mainly  on  the  right  of  the  median  line. 

The  bile  duct  joins  the  pancreatic  duct  and 
opens  into  the  duodenum  about  a  foot  posterior  to 
the  stomach. 

The  spleen  is  triangular  in  shape,  weighing 
about  three  ounces. 

THE  RESPIRATORY  SYSTEM. 

The  nostrils  are  small  and  not  very  dilatable. 
The  nasal  cavity  is  very  short  and  narrow  be- 
hind. 

The  larynx  is  small  and  compact. 


ANATOMY.  59 

The  trachea  is  small,  and  anyone  who  has  at- 
tempted to  inject  gasoline  into  it  will  concur  in 
the  statement  that  it  is  very  mobile. 

The  thoracic  cavity  is  small,  and  the  pleura 
thick. 

The  lungs  are  very  unequal  in  size,  the  right 
one  being  the  larger.  The  left  one  has  three  lobes, 
and  the  right  has  four  or  five. 

The  thyroid  is  very  extensive,  being  largely 
utilized  in  the  manufacture  of  a  biological  product. 

The  thymus  is  very  pale  and  delicate. 

THE  URINARY  ORGANS. 

The  kidneys  weigh  about  four  ounces,  and  are 
bean-shaped.  The  right  kidney  lies  under  the 
first  three  lumbar  vertebrae,  while  the  left  one 
is  usually  further  forward.  In  the  adult  sheep, 
when  the  rumen  becomes  distended  with  food,  the 
left  kidney  is  pushed  back  several  inches. 

The  ureter  of  the  left  kidney  has  a  peculiar 
course,  due  to  the  movable  position  of  the  kidney. 
It  curves  upward  and  inward,  and  crossing  the 
median  plane,  runs  backward  on  the  left  side. 
The  right  ureter  runs  back  in  a  relatively  straight 
line. 

The  bladder  is  long  and  narrow,  and  extends 
rather  far  forward  on  the  abdominal  floor. 

The  adrenals  are  bean-shaped.  The  right  one 
lies  along  the  inner  border  of  the  kidney  and  is 
about  an  inch  long  and  wide.  The  left  one  is 
somewhat  longer  and  slightly  bent  in  shape.  It 
lies  across  the  left  renal  vein,  and  is  not  in  con- 
tact with  the  kidney. 


60  SHEEP  DISEASES. 

THE  MALE  GENITAL  ORGANS. 

The  scrotum  is  long,  pendulous  and  has  a  dis- 
tinct neck. 

The  testicles  are  very  large  and  oval. 

The  epididymis  is  very  adherent  to  the  testicle. 

The  spermatic  cord  is  long,  and  the  vaginal  ring 
small. 

The  vas  deferens  is  of  small  calibre. 

The  vesiculae  seminales  are  compact. 

The  prostate  is  light  yellow  in  color. 

The  penis  is  cylindrical,  with  a  urethra!  process 
extending  out  from  the  glans. 

The  prepuce  is  long  and  narrow. 

The  urethra  lies  in  a  groove  on  the  lower  surface 
of  the  penis,  forming  a  twisted  process.  Its  diam- 
eter is  not  over  one-sixteenth  of  an  inch.  This  is 
one  reason  why  mangels  or  sugar  beets  are  a  dan- 
gerous food  for  rams  and  wethers,  on  account  of 
the  calculi  they  form. 

THE  FEMALE  GENITAL  ORGANS. 

The  ovaries  are  small. 

The  fallopian  tubes  are  long  and  tortuous. 

The  uterus  lies  almost  entirely  in  the  abdominal 
cavity,  a  thing  that  should  be  remembered  in  diag- 
nosing pregnancy. 

The  vagina  is  short,  with  a  thick  wall. 

The  urethra  is  very  short,  and  dilatable.  This 
prevents  serious  consequences  from  urinary  calculi 
in  ewes. 

The  mammary  glands  are  relatively  large,  and 
pigmented. 


ANATOMY.  61 

THE  CIRCULATORY  SYSTEM. 

The  average  sheep  has  about  one  gallon  of 
blood;  lambs  scarcely  a  pint.  This  makes  it  an 
easy  prey  to  blood  sucking  parasites. 

The  pericardium  is  usually  buried  in  a  mass  of 
fat. 

The  heart  is  relatively  large  and  situated  prin- 
cipally upon  the  left  of  the  median  plane,  being 
opposite  the  third  to  the  fifth  ribs. 

The  arterial  and  venous  systems  are  similar  to 
those  of  other  animals. 

The  lymph  system  is  very  well  marked  in  the 
sheep. 

THE  NERVOUS  SYSTEM. 

The  diseases  of  the  nervous  system  are  many 
and  varied  in  the  sheep,  but  as  practically  all 
pathological  lesions  are  caused  by  parasites,  not 
much  can  be  done,  except  to  perform  a  very  care- 
ful autopsy. 

The  spinal  cord  is  long  and  small,  and  the  brain 
is  relatively  small.  The  nervous  system  is  similar 
to  that  of  other  animals;  perhaps  not  so  highly 
developed  as  in  the  horse  and  dog. 

THE  ORGANS  OF  THE  SPECIAL  SENSES, 

The  eye  is  round,  and  the  lids  rather  thick. 
The  vitreous  body  is  not  very  fluid. 

The  ear  inclines  outward  and  upward,  differing 
in  the  several  breeds.  The  auditory  canal  is  small. 

The  skin  is  thin  and  of  a  pinkish  hue  when  the 
animal  is  in  good  health,  and  covered  with  wool. 
The  caliber  of  the  wool  fiber  varies  from  one  five- 


62  SHEEP  DISEASES. 

thousandth  of  an  inch  in  Merinos  to  one  four- 
hundred-fiftieth  of  an  inch  in  Cotswolds. 

The  olfactory  organs  are  well  developed;  the 
ewe  depends  upon  the  sense  of  smell  to  identify 
her  young. 

The  sense  of  taste  is  highly  developed;  no  ani- 
mal has  a  more  dainty  taste  than  has  the  sheep, 
still  it  will  eat  poisonous  plants,  such  as  death 
camas,  when  it  is  young  and  succulent,  and  the 
animal  is  very  hungry  for  green  food. 


SECTION  III. 

HYGIENE. 

All  of  those  methods  by  which  sheep  are 
shielded  to  a  greater  or  less  extent  from  disease ; 
kept  in  a  state  of  health,  and  which  contribute 
to  their  thrift,  may  correctly  be  classed  as  hygiene. 

No  animal  has  less  resistance  to  disease  when 
once  infected  than  has  the  sheep.  No  animal  re- 
pays hygienic  care  and  surroundings  with  greater 
profit  than  this  one. 


A  WESTERN   SHEARING  CAMP. 

About    1200   are    Sheared   a   Day    in 

This  Small  Camp. 

For  detailed  information  as  to  the  management 
of  sheep,  the  reader  is  referred  to  various  books 
devoted  to  this  subject.  The  following  discussion 
is  designed  merely  to  outline  the  management  and 
care  that  is  conducive  to  health. 

63 


64 


SHEEP  DISEASES. 


GENERAL  CARE. 

The  care  of  fifty  sheep  on  a  small  eastern  farm 
is  a  vastly  different  undertaking  from  watching 
over  a  band  of  many  thousand  on  the  western 
range.  While  the  habits  of  the  animal  are  the 
same,  whether  it  be  in  a  bunch  of  a  dozen  or  a 


TYPICAL  SMKABINU 


band  of  three  thousand,  the  management  must 
vary  to  meet  existing  conditions.  For  that  reason., 
the  carefully  formulated  rules  that  may  suit  one 
breeder's  fancy  will  be  utterly  out  of  place  or 
wholly  impractical  for  another. 

In  all  cases,  however,  kindness,  cleanliness,  lib- 
eral and  regular  feeding,  together  with  a  natural 


HYGIENE. 


65 


aptitude  for  caring  for  sheep  are  essentials  for 
success. 

The  pulse  rate  of  sheep  varies  considerably, 
although  seventy  to  ninety  beats  a  minute  may 
be  taken  as  an  average.  Respirations  vary  from 
twelve  to  twenty  a  minute  when  the  animal  is  per- 


THE  RANGE  COUNTRY. 


fectly  at  ease.  The  temperature  is  usually  around 
103  degrees  Fahrenheit,  taken  per  rectum,  al- 
though this  depends  to  some  extent  on  the  age, 
weather,  and  degree  of  fatness. 

No  other  animal  so  clearly  exhibits  the  symp- 
toms of  disease  as  does  the  sheep.  The  loss  of 
appetite;  the  listless  air;  the  dull  eye;  the  drawn- 


66  SHEEP  DISEASES. 

up  appearance  of  the  abdomen,  and  the  seeking  of 
a  lonely  spot  in  which  to  lie  down,  clearly  point 
out  the  invasion  of  some  disorder.  Other  symp- 
toms, more  or  less  marked,  give  us  a  clue  to  the 
actual  trouble,  although  in  many  cases  where  there 
is  no  history  to  guide  one,  the  diagnosis  must  be 
made  largely  by  exclusion,  or  from  a  postmortem 
examination  of  some  animal  similarly  affected. 

Handling. 

Catching  a  sheep  for  examination  is  often  per- 
formed incorrectly  or  carelessly.  Grabbing  a 
sheep  by  the  wool  often  causes  a  bruise  that  may 
persist  for  months.  Nothing  else  makes  quite 
so  unfavorable  an  impression  upon  the  experienced 
sheep  man  as  lunging  wildly  at  an  animal,  and 
going  through  unnecessary  antics  in  attempting 
to  catch  it. 

As  strangers  frighten  sheep,  it  is  a  better  plan 
to  have  the  one  accustomed  to  taking  care  of  the 
flock  catch  the  animal  desired.  If  this  is  not  pos- 
sible, drive  the  sheep  into  a  small  enclosure  and 
grasp  the  flank,  just  over  the  stifle. 

To  set  it  on  its  rump,  place  the  left  arm  around 
the  sheep's  neck  and  hold  the  right  forearm  of 
the  animal  with  the  left  hand.  With  the  right 
hand  reach  under  and  grasp  the  right  hind  leg 
above  the  hock.  Pulling  it  against  one's  breast 
and  exerting  a  little  traction  on  the  hind  legs,  the 
sheep  will  be  raised  on  its  rump  easily,  and  ren- 
dered powerless  to  struggle. 

Leading  a  sheep  is  a  simple  matter  when  done 
correctly,  although  some  Merinos  will  be  found 


HYGIENE.  67 

to  be  more  stubborn  than  a  mule.  Get  on -its  left 
side,  place  the  left  arm  around  its  neck,  with 
the  other  hand  on  its  tail-head,  and  by  tickling  it 
slightly,  the  animal  will  walk  briskly  along. 

To  carry  a  sheep,  if  it  be  a  small  one  or  a  lamb, 
stand  at  the  rear  and  to  the  right,  slip  the  right 
hand  back  of  the  sheep 's  right  front  leg  and  place 
it  between  the  front  legs.  Lift  it  up  slightly  in 
front,  and  grasp  the  left  hind  leg  just  above  the 
hock.  Lift  up,  catching  hold  of  both  hind  legs. 
This  renders  the  sheep  helpless,  and  it  can  be  car- 
ried without  struggling. 

To  load  sheep  into  a  wagon  without  a  chute, 
two  men  can  handle  a  small  bunch  quickly  in  the 
following  manner:  One  man  stands  on  each  side 
of  the  sheep.  The  right  hand  of  one  grasps  the 
left  hand  of  the  other  between  the  forelegs,  and 
the  other  hands  are  clasped  in  a  similar  manner 
under  the  flanks.  Chutes  are  used  where  there  are 
large  numbers,  and  a  goat  acting  as  leader  saves 
much  time. 

Shipping  sheep  singly  in  crates  supplied  with 
a  gunny  sack  of  hay  and  grain  is  accomplished 
with  very  little  loss.  The  expressmen,  as  a  rule, 
take  good  care  to  water  the  animal  at  frequent 
intervals. 

Feeding. 

As  this  is  not  a  text  on  sheep  management  we 
merely  wish  to  emphasize  the  importance  of 
punctual  feeding  from  the  standpoint  of  hygiene. 

On  the  western  range,  alfalfa,  field  peas  and 
kale  are  largely  used  as  winter  feeds.  The  preg- 


68  SHEEP  DISEASES. 

nant  ewes  are  given  a  small  quantity  of  oats  to- 
wards lambing  time.  Alsike,  clover,  rape,  rye, 
roots,  and  many  other  foods  are  used,  depending 
on  the  locality  and  cost  of  feed.  Timothy  is  very 
constipating,  leading  to  "blind  staggers,"  follow- 
ing impaction.  Those  sections  supplied  with 
"bunch-grass"  and  where  the  snow  is  not  deep 
are  fortunate,  for  nothing  else  is  needed,  except 
sulphur  and  salt. 

In  the  East,  and  for  fitting  sheep  for  exhibition, 
silage,  cabbage  and  concentrated  foods  of  many 
kinds  are  used. 

Shepherd's  Calendar. 

March:  The  lambing  season.  This  depends 
greatly  upon  the  locality  and  breed. 

April:  When  about  two  weeks  old  the  lambs 
are  docked,  branded,  and  the  males  castrated. 
The  feet  of  the  whole  band  should  be  attended  to. 

May:  The  sheep  are  sheared  and  dipped  and 
started  for  their  summer  range. 

June,  July  and  August:  Feeding  in  the  forest 
ranges,  often  in  sight  of  snow-capped  mountains. 
This  is  one  reason  why  western  sheep  are  so 
healthy  and  thrifty;  they  are  far  above  the 
parasite-infested  lowlands.  The  lambs  are  weaned 
when  about  four  to  five  months  old. 

September:  Toward  the  latter  part  of  this 
month,  the  band  is  slowly  trailed  back  home.  In 
the  Northwest,  fields  of  wheat  and  oats  "stubble" 
are  purchased  to  turn  the  sheep  into.  In  Colorado 
field  peas  are  used. 

October:     The  band  is  culled,  and  the  bucks 


HYGIENE.  69 

turned  in.    Towards  the  latter  part  of  the  month 
the  feet  are  again  trimmed  if  necessary. 

November,  December,  January  and  February: 
Feeding  at  the  home  ranch,  and  selling  lambs 
when  the  prices  are  favorable. 

CARE  OF  THE  EWE. 

The  period  of  estrum  continues  from  two  to  four 
days,  and  the  ewe  will  come  in  heat  again  in 
about  sixteen  days  if  not  pregnant. 


LAMBS  AT  SHEARING  TIME  CUT 
AWAY  PROM  EWES. 

The  average  period  of  gestation  is  about  one 
hundred  and  forty-five  days,  or  four  and  one-half 
months.  Male  lambs  are  carried  a  little  longer. 
If  a  ewe  goes  over  a  week  after  her  time,  the 
chances  are  the  lamb  is  dead.  Before  lambing,  the 
ewes  should  be  "tagged"  by  removing  any  filthy 
locks  of  wool. 

Separating  the  pregnant  ewes  for  the  winter 
season  is  the  best  system,  for  then  the  danger  of 
abortion  from  crowding  and  bruising  is  lessened. 
Only  the  brightest  and  cleanest  of  food  should  be 
fed  to  pregnant  ewes. 


70  SHEEP  DISEASES. 

Turnips  and  cabbage  make  a  good  green  food 
ration,  while  mangels  and  sugar  beets  are  not  rec- 
ommended before  lambing.  In  parts  of  the  west, 
along  the  coast,  where  green  food  grows  the  year 
around,  these  problems  are  solved  by  nature.  Be- 
fore lambing  the  food  should  be  abundant  and 
laxative,  a  pound  of  equal  parts  of  bran  and  oats 
being  a  fine  addition  to  the  hay  ration. 

When  the  weather  is  not  too  stormy  or  wet,  the 
animals  should  have  plenty  of  exercise.  This  will 
prevent  many  cases  of  difficult  parturition.  The 
old  English  method  of  hauling  a  load  of  hay  a 
mile  from  the  sheep  corral,  compelling  the  sheep 
to  follow  it  for  their  food,  and  then  driving  them 
back  in  the  evening,  was  an  excellent  one. 

In  the  early  spring,  after  a  hard  snowy  winter, 
when  the  band  is  turned  out  to  pick  over  the 
rough  parts  of  the  ranch,  many  abortions  and 
deaths  occur  among  the  ewes  from  eating  brush, 
moss,  or  any  green  forage  that  may  be  full  of  tur- 
pentine or  other  toxic  ingredients.  Frozen  roots, 
spoiled  silage,  mouldy^  hay,  and  an  exclusive  diet 
of  timothy  have  caused  tile  death  of  many  a  preg- 
nant ewe. 

When  the  lambing  season  arrives,  the  busiest 
time  of  the  year  on  a  sheep  ranch  is  at  hand.  The 
ewes  expected  to  lamb  early  should  be  given  a 
roomy  pen,  dry,  clean  and  quiet.  As  ewes  seldom 
lamb  between  midnight  and  early  in  the  morning, 
one  should  watch  them  at  all  hours,  except  this 
time. 

When  a  lamb  gets  away  from  its  mother  and 
she  later  refuses  to  claim  it,  they  should  be  put 


HYGIENE.  71 

in  a  pen  together.  If  the  mother  butts  it  away, 
she  should  be  tied  up  and  the  lamb  allowed  to 
suck.  This  usually  causes  a  family  reunion. 

The  various  diseases  and  disorders  of  the  ewe 
are  considered  in  the  section,  "Diseases  of  the 
Ewe." 

CARE  OF  THE  LAMB. 

If  the  lamb  is  born  normal,  and  does  not  become 
infested  with  parasites,  very  little  need  be  done  to 
keep  it  in  a  healthy  and  thrifty  condition. 


How  A  LAMB  is  DOCKED  WITH  HOT  PINCHEBS. 

Courtesy  American   Sheep  Breeder. 

When  an  apparently  ' '  lifeless  lamb ' '  is  dropped 
it  may  be  possible  to  resuscitate  it  by  the  follow- 
ing method:  Clean  all  mucus  from  the  mouth  and 
nostrils,  and  blow  gently  into  its  nose.  Lay  it  on 
its  belly  and  slightly  tap  each  side  over  the  lungs. 
A  whiff  or  two  of  aromatic  spirits  of  ammonia  is 
beneficial. 

For  a  chilled  lamb,  wrapping  it  up  in  a  warm 
coat  or  blanket  and  giving  a  few  drops  of  whiskey 


72  SHEEP  DISEASES. 

in  a  little  warmed  water  is  good.  In  the  several 
large  sheep  raising  states  that  have  lately  gone 
"dry"  aromatic  spirits  of  ammonia  may  be  sub- 
stituted. The  latter  will  also  keep  longer  around 
a  sheep  camp.  Spirit  of  camphor  and  sweet 
spirit  of  nitre  both  contain  large  amounts  of  alco- 
hol, and  may  be  employed  as  stimulants. 

When  a  lamb  must  be  raised  by  hand,  remember 
ewe's  milk  is  much  richer  in  fat  and  somewhat 
richer  in  casein  than  cow's  milk,  as  the  following 
table  will  show: 

MILK    ANALYSIS. 

Ewe  Cow 

Water     80.82  87.27 

Casein    4.97  3.02 

Albumin    1.55  0.53 

Fat 6.86  3.64 

Sugar     4.91  4.88 

Ash                                                                      .    0.89  0.71 


100.00  100.00 

The  specific  gravity  of  ewe's  milk  is  about 
1.0341.  No  water  should  be  added  to  cow's  milk 
to  feed  an  orphan  lamb,  but  rather  the  richest 
whole  milk  that  can  be  obtained.  If  the  ewes  have 
been  fed  oil  cake  the  milk  is  increased  greatly  in 
fats,  often  causing  scours  in  the  lambs. 
'1  When  the  lambs  are  about  two  weeks  old,  on  a 
bright,  sunny  day,  the  males  should  be  castrated. 
Select  a  clean,  dry  place  for  this  work,  and  with 
disinfected  hands  and  knife,  hold  the  lamb,  and 
cut  off  the  lower  third  of  the  scrotum.  Pull  the  tes- 
ticle and  entire  cord  out.  In  older  lambs  the  cord 
may  be  scraped  off.  If  everything  is  kept  clean 
no  further  attention  is  required.  Keep  the  lambs 
by  themselves  for  several  hours^as  they  will  lie 


HYGIENE.  73 

down  and  get  trampled  if  put  in  with  the  rest  of 
the  sheep.  Castrating  in  the  evening  has  proven 
very  successful  with  some  breeders,  as  it  gives  the 
lambs  a  chance  to  remain  quiet  over  night. 

At  the  same  time  the  males  are  castrated,  all  the 
lambs  may  be  docked,  branded,  tattooed  and 
marked.  The  easiest  and  most  bloodless  method 
of  docking  is  to  heat  a  pair  of  pincers  red  hot 
and  use  it  to  sever  the  tails;  over  a  dozen  lambs 
can  be  docked  with  one  heating. 

When  the  lambs  are  about  four  or  five  months 
old,  or  along  in  August,  they  are  weaned.  By  this 
time  they  have  learned  to  pick  up  almost  enough 
feed  to  satisfy  their  wants,  and  merely  taking 
them  entirely  away  from  the  ewes,  a  day  or  two, 
will  render  them  weaned. 

At  weaning  time  it  is  a  good  plan  to  separate 
the  ram  lambs  from  the  others,  although  this  is 
not  done  sometimes  until  they  are  six  months  of 
age. 

A  healthy  lamb  will  become  plump  and  make  a 
steady  growth.  A  stunted  lamb  seldom  "catches 
up. "  It  is  remarkable  how  fast  range  lambs  fat- 
ten in  the  fall  while  trailed  back  on  stubble  or 
field  peas.  Many  a  carload  has  topped  the  market 
from  just  this  kind  of  feed. 

CARE  OF  THE  BUCK. 

If  the  animal  has  been  kept  in  good  condition 
and  given  sufficient  exercise,  he  requires  but  little 
attention.  A  ration  of  bran  and  oats  fed  a  month 
or  so  before  the  mating  season  is  conducive  to 
vigor.  Sugar  beets  and  mangels  should  never  be 


74  SHEEP  DISEASES. 

fed  bucks  or  wethers,  for,  as  stated  elsewhere, 
urinary  calculi  are  apt  to  be  formed,  which,  owing 
to  the  small  caliber  of  the  urethra — one-sixteenth 
of  an  inch — leads  to  death. 

On  the  western  range  about  one  buck  to  thirty- 
five  ewes  is  the  usual  number. 

After  the  mating  season  the  male  should  be 
given  sufficient  food  to  keep  him  in  fair  condition, 
but  not  fat.  Exercise  is  the  most  essential  thing 
in  sheep  hygiene.  They  are  naturally  roving  ani- 
mals, and  the  main  cause  of  impotent  bucks  is 
traceable  to  lack  of  exercise  which  leads  to  vicious 
habits  and  excessive  fat. 


SECTION  IV. 

MEDICINES  AND  THEIR 
ADMINISTRATION. 

GENERAL  CONSIDERATION. 

Comparatively  few  medicines3  are  used  inter- 
nally in  the  treatment  of  sheep  diseases.  Due  to 
the  tortuous  digestive  system,  drugs  are  very 
slowly  absorbed  and  usually  the  animal  is  dead 
before  action  is  obtained. 

As  most  ailments  that  require  medicinal  treat- 
ment are  emergency  cases,  such  as  poisons,  para- 
sites and  injuries,  large  and  heroic  doses  must  be 
given,  and  repeated  often. 

It  is  well  to  remember  the  common  remedies 
found  in  every  household  or  sheep  camp,  such  as 
salt,  pepper,  ginger,  soda,  turpentine  and  the  like, 
for  often  one  does  not  have  access  to  a  complete 
medicine  chest.  To  be  able  to  use  what  is  at 
hand  intelligently  is  better  than  to  know  the 
pharmacopeia  by  heart  and  overlook  the  simple 
remedies.  Long  treatises  have  been  written  on 
drugs,  but  the  more  experience  one  has  in  the 
treatment  of  sheep,  the  fewer  drugs  he  will  use. 
To  not  overdo  the  treatment  requires  as  much 
judgment  as  to  render  adequate  aid. 

As  many  sheep  are  herded  during  the  summer 


3Quitman's    "Synopsis    of  Veterinary  Medicine"   was   the   text 
consulted. 

75 


76  SHEEP  DISEASES. 

season  far  up  in  the  mountains  away  from  the 
haunts  of  civilization,  and  where  veterinary  at- 
tendance is  not  available  except  in  extraordinary 
cases,  veterinarians  can  serve  their  clients  best 
under  these  conditions  by  outfitting  a  small  medi- 
cine case  of  simple  remedies  and  giving  the  herder 
explicit  directions  how  to  use  them  and  also  the 
conditions  that  may  arise  that  will  justify  him  in 
sending  fifty,  seventy-five  or  maybe  even  two  hun- 
dred or  three  hundred  miles  for  the  veterinarian's 
services. 

Part  of  the  instruction  given  below  can  be 
adapted  by  the  veterinarian  to  the  use  of  the  shep- 
herd and  given  to  him  with  such  remedies  as  he 
deems  necessary  to  be  taken  along  in  the  camp 
when  the  herd  is  driven  away  for  the  summer. 

Administering  Medicines. 

The  restraint  of  sheep  has  been  dealt  with  in 
the  section  on  Hygiene. 

Setting  the  sheep  on  its  rump  to  drench  it  is 
inadvisable.  Standing  it  in  a  corner  is  the  best 
method  to  pursue,  for  then  the  danger  of  pouring 
a  portion  of  the  drench  into  the  lungs  will  be  ob- 
viated. 

A  two-ounce  dose  syringe  is  the  handiest  article 
with  which  to  give  medicine.  Dilute  the  drugs 
well  with  water,  raw  oil,  milk,  sirup,  or  gruel,  and 
introduce  the  nozzle  between  the  lips  in  the  inter- 
dental space.  Do  not  hold  the  tongue,  but  keep 
the  mouth  closed,  and  the  animal  will  swallow 
slowly.  Proper  restraint  is  half  the  battle. 

To  drench  with  a  bottle  requires  patience  and 


MEDICINES  AND  THEIR  ADMINISTRATION.      77 

skill ;  unnumbered  sheep  have  been  given  mechan- 
ical pneumonia  by  this  method.  Small  sheep  or 
lambs  may  be  straddled,  while  large  ones  should 
be  backed  into  a  corner  where  they  cannot  run 
away.  The  left  hand  should  be  placed  on  the 
lower  jaw,  with  the  thumb  in  the  interdental  space. 
Place  the  neck  of  the  bottle  on  the  tongue  or  near 
it,  and  pour  in,  very  slowly,  about  half  the  con- 
tents of  the  bottle.  Eest  a  minute  or  two  between 
"  drinks. " 

When  a  bottle  is  not  available,  a  spoon  may  be 
used.  Pouch  out  the  lower  lip  and  pour  the  med- 
icine into  the  cavity  so  formed. 

Mixing  the  medicines  in  thick  sirup  and  smear- 
ing on  the  tongue  or  teeth  in  the  form  of  an  elect- 
uary is  a  convenient  method. 

Hypodermic  medication  may  be  performed  in 
any  part  of  the  skin  where  the  latter  is  denuded 
of  wool. 

Enemas  are  valuable  in  many  cases.  Adding 
a  tablespoonful  of  glycerin  to  a  pint  of  warm, 
soapy  water  adds  to  the  efficiency  of  the  injection. 

Dips  should  be  kept  warm,  and  the  animals 
treated  only  on  bright  sunny  days.  For  foot  trou- 
bles, the  solution  may  be  placed  in  a  trough  or 
shallow  vat,  several  inches  deep,  and  the  band 
driven  through  it. 

Dosage. 

The  relative  dose  of  medicine  given  to  a  sheep 
is  about  one-fourth  to  one-sixth  as  much  as  given 
to  a  horse,  and  about  four  times  the  dose  indi- 
cated for  a  human.  The  dose,  however,  varies 


78  SHEEP  DISEASES. 

greatly  with  the  circumstances,  drugs  being  often 
indicated  in  very  large  quantities;  e.  g.,  antidotes 
for  poisoning,  well  diluted  with  water  or  oil. 

It  is  well  to  remember  that  a  teaspoon  holds 
one  dram,  or  one-fourth  of  a  tablespoonful. 

A  tablespoon  is  nearly  equivalent  to  one-half 
ounce. 

A  common  tumbler  contains  about  eight  ounces, 
or  one-half  pint. 

A  common  tea-cup  will  hold  about  eight  ounces ; 
although  most  cups  carried  in  sheep  camps  hold 
nearly  a  pint,  as  they  are  more  for  service  than 
for  style. 

Depending  on  the  age  of  the  lamb,  from  one- 
third  to  one-half  the  size  of  the  dose  given  sheep 
can  be  administered. 

A  Table  of  Frequently  Used  Drugs. 

No  complete  table  of  drugs  used  in  sheep  prac- 
tice can  be  given,  because  there  are  no  two  local- 
ities with  exactly  the  same  disorders.  The  veter- 
inarian will  soon  become  familiar  with  the  ail- 
ments in  his  immediate  vicinity  and  use  the  drugs 
indicated. 

The  following  table  is  an  outline  of  the  drugs 
generally  used,  and  the  safe,  but  active  dosage 
appended : 

Drug  Dose  for  sheep 

Acaciae  mucilago  q.  s. 

Acetanilidum    3i 

Aconiti,   tinctura   m.  xx 

Alcohol    • Q.  s. 

Alumini  sulphas  gr.  xx 

Atropinae  sulphas   gr.  1/20 


MEDICINES  AND  THEIR  ADMINISTRATION. 79 


Drug  Dose  for  sheep 

Balsamum  Peruvianum   q.  s. 

Belladonnae  rad.  Flext m.  xx 

Bismuthum  subnitras  gr.  xx 

Boricum,  acidum   q.  s. 

Camphorae,  spiritus   '  Sss 

Cannabis  Ind.  Flext 3ss 

Chloral    3ii 

Carbo  iigni q.  s. 

Creosotum,  Beechwood  m.  ii 

Cupri  sulphas  q.  s. 

Digitalis,  Flext m.  v 

Dioscorea,  Flext 311 

Ergotae,  Flext 3i 

Ether   q.  s. 

Eucalypti,  oleum   3ss 

Formaldehydi,  Liq 3i 

Gentianae,  Flext 3ss    - 

Glycerinum    q.  s. 

Gasolin    q.  s. 

Hydrargarium  chloridiun  mite 3ss 

Hydrogenii   dioxidi    aqua q.  s. 

lodi,  tinctura   q.  s. 

Lini,  oleum   Bviii 

Magnesii  sulphas  $vi 

Nitrosi,  spiritus   etheris $ss 

Nucis  vom.  Flext m.  x 

Olivae,  oleum   q.  s. 

Opii   tinctura    3i 

Phytolaccae,  Flext 3i 

Piperitae  Menthae  Oleum m.  x 

Potassi  permanganas    gr.  xx 

Plumbi  acetas  q.  s. 

Potassii  iodi    gr.  xx 

Potassi  Arsenitis,  Liq m.  xx 

Petrolatum     q.  s. 

Rhamni  Purshianae  Flext 3i 

Rhei,  Tinctura  aromatica 3i 

Ricini,  oleum   Jiv 

Santoninum   3i 

Saponis,  lin q.  s. 

Sodium  chloridi   q.  s. 


80  SHEEP  DISEASES. 

Drug  Dose  for  sheep 

Sodium  hyposulphite   3ss 

Sodium  bicarbonas    q.  s. 

Spiritus  vini  gallici %ss 

Sulphur   subliatum    q.  s. 

Terebinthinae    oleum 5ss 

Tinctura  Ferri  Chlorid q.  s. 

Zinci  sulphas q.  s. 

Zingerberis,   tinctura    3i 

Of  the  drugs  mentioned  above,  perhaps  a  dozen 
are  commonly  used.  Due  to  the  delicate  taste  of 
the  sheep  none  can  be  given  on  the  feed.  All  must 
be  given  as  a  drench  or  an  electuary. 

Preventive  medication,  such  as  dipping  or  re- 
moving animals  from  parasite — or  poison — in- 
fested ranges,  is  far  more  successful  and  satis- 
factory than  constant  drugging. 

Emergency  Medicine  Case  for  the  Range. 

Before  trailing  the  sheep  to  the  summer  range 
it  is  well  to  provide  the  herders  with  an  emergency 
medicine  chest,  and  instruct  them  how  to  use  each 
drug.  Hints  can  be  given  how  to  treat  a  saddle- 
horse  or  a  valuable  dog  as  well  as  sheep  out  of 
the  case.  Less  fatalities  among  the  men  them- 
selves would  occur  if  the-  sheep  owners  would 
secure  a  competent  physician  to  give  the  herders 
a  little  talk  on  "first  aid." 

For  the  common  emergencies  among  animals, 
the  following  list  will  be  found  useful: 

One  dozen  two-inch  gauze  bandages. 

Four  one-quarter  pound  rolls  absorbent  cotton. 

One  roll  inch  zinc  oxide  adhesive  plaster. 

Ten  pounds  sulphur. 

Ten  pounds  Epsom  salt. 

One  gallon  raw  linseed  oil. 


MEDICINES  AND  THEIR  ADMINISTRATION.  81 

One  quart  castor  oil. 
One  quart  glycerin. 
One  pint  hydrogen  peroxid. 
One  pint  tincture  iodin. 
One  pint  spirit  of  camphor. 
One  pint  sweet  spirit  nitre. 
One  pint  tincture  of  iron. 
One  quart  olive  oil. 
One  gallon  turpentine. 
One  gallon  pine  tar. 

Two  hundred,  twenty-grain  powders  containing  equal 
parts  potassium  permanganate  and  powdered  alum. 
Several  two-ounce  dose  syringes. 

Disinfectants. 

As  prevention  of  disease  and  parasites  is  of  the 
utmost  importance  in  sheep  industry,  a  knowledge 
of  disinfectants  and  their  germicidal  powers  is 
necessary. 

On  the  western  range,  very  little  disinfecting  is 
necessary  except  in  infected  corrals,  shearing  or 
lambing  sheds,  or  feeding  lots. 

Official  disinfectants  as  designated  by  the 
Bureau  of  Animal  Industry  mention  the  following : 

1.  A  five  per  cent  solution  carbolic  acid.    Due 
to  its  present  high  price  this  is  very  little  used. 

2.  A  three  per  cent  solution  of  liquor  cresolis 
compound.     This  is  a  coal  tar  product.     Many 
other  well  known  coal  tar  dips  such  as  Kreso, 
Sanax,  Lysol,  Chloro-naphtholeum  and  the  like, 
which  are  merely  trade  names  of  the  different  man- 
ufacturers, are  good  and  efficient. 

3.  A  1  to  1,000  solution  mercuric  chlorid.    On 
account  of  its  dangerous  properties  to  animals 
from  licking  it,  this  is  not  much  used  for  sheep. 

4.  Chlorid  of  lime,  one  pound  to  one  and  one- 
half  gallons  of  water. 

5.  Formalin,  one  quart  to  five  gallons  of  water. 


82  SHEEP  DISEASES. 

For  disinfecting  a  shed  or  corral,  perhaps  as 
good  as  any  disinfectant  is  lime  and  sulphur  dip. 
Put  a  half  bushel  of  unslaked  lime  in  a  fifty- 
gallon  barrel,  and  add  enough  water  to  make  a 
smooth  paste:  Add  about  twenty  gallons  of  water, 
stirring  constantly,  and  then  add  the  coal  tar  dip, 
about  three  gallons  will  be  sufficient,  and  fill  the 
barrel  up  with  water.  Allow  to  stand  over  night, 
and  by  not  agitating  the  solution,  one  can  use  a 
spray  pump  with  little  annoyance  from  clogging. 

The  most  common  western  method  is  to  dilute 
the  sediment  from  the  lime  and  sulphur  clips,  and 
throw  it  around  over  the  corral  or  pens. 

For  detailed  formulae  of  the  various  dips,  see 
Section  on  Parasites,  page  161. 

Blue  vitriol  and  common  lime  are  the  solutions 
most  used  in  foot  rot  on  the  range. 

The  Value  of  Postmortem  Examinations. 

Perhaps  in  no  species  of  animal  is  an  autopsy 
more  valuable  than  in  sheep.  To  ascertain  with 
reasonable  certainty  the  exact  trouble  is  more  than 
half  the  battle,  and  preventive  measures  can  be 
taken  to  eradicate  the  malady,  if  at  all  practicable. 

Sheep  that  have  been  dead  more  than  twenty- 
four  hours  are  not  good  subjects  for  postmortem 
examination.  The  putrefactive  organisms  and  gas 
have  caused  such  changes  that  one  cannot  tell 
anything  about  the  original  ailment. 

Examine  the  head  for  grub ;  the  trachea  for  lung 
worms;  the  fourth  stomach  for  stomach  worms; 
the  liver  for  liver  flukes;  the  skin  for  scab  mites 
or  ticks,  and  every  organ  for  pathological  lesions. 


MEDICINES  AND  THEIR  ADMINISTRATION.  83 

Poisons  usually  but  not  always  cause  a  violent 
inflammation  of  the  intestines. 

Sometimes  several  or  more  autopsies  are  neces- 
sary to  arrive  at  a  correct  diagnosis,  and  even 
then  it  is  often  the  safer  method  to  make  a 
guarded  one. 


SECTION  V. 


ACUTE  INFECTIOUS  DISEASES. 

Anthrax. 

Splenic  fever;  wool  sorter's  disease;  splenic 
apoplexy;  malignant  pustule;  anthracemia;  my- 
cosis intestinalis. 

Cause:  The  Bacillus  anthracis,  a  square-end 
rod-shaped  germ;  stains  by  Gram's  method.  Re- 
mains virulent  for  years. 

Symptoms:  In  sheep  the  symptoms  are  very 
acute.  Loss  of  appetite ; 
rise  in  temperature ; 
edematous  swellings  ap- 
pear on  flanks,  and  the 
skin  may  be  covered 
with  an  erysipelas-like 
eruption.  Dark,  bloody, 
frothy  mucus  exudes 
from  the  nostrils,  mouth 
and  anus.  Young  ani- 
mals are  more  suscep- 
tible to  the  disease  than 


(From  Hutyra  and  Marck.) 


BACILLUS  AXTHRACIS. 
Fresh  Sheep  Blood  Stained 
older  ones,  but  the  mor-     with    Diluted    Fuchsin    Solu- 

tality — even  in  adults- 
is  very  great. 

The  diagnosis  is  determined  by  the  postmortem 
findings;  the  "blackberry  spleen"  differentiating 
it  from  blackleg. 

The  usual  channel  of  infection  is  through  the 

Texts  consulted : 

Hutyra   and    Marek's    Pathology    and    Therapeutics    of    the 
Diseases  of  Domestic  Animals. 

Friedberger   and   Frohner's   Veterinary   Pathology. 

Moore's  Pathology  and  Differential  Diagnosis  of  the  Infectious 


Diseases   of   Animals. 


84 


ACUTE  INFECTIOUS  DISEASES.  85 

digestive  system;  the  germs  entering  the  blood 
and  lymph  streams  from  this  source.  Death  ensues 
in  from  several  hours  to  two  days.  The  imme- 
diate cause  of  death  is  suffocation.  The  history 
of  the  disease  in  a,  given  attack  or  locality  is  help- 
ful in  making  a  diagnosis,  since  where  previous 
outbreaks  have  occurred,  one  will  be  constantly 
on  the  lookout.  However,  in  any  serious  epizootic 
among  sheep,  a  clinical  diagnosis  confirmed  by  a 
bacteriological  examination  is  the  only  safe  one. 
Treatment:  First,  accurate  diagnosis;  second, 
rigid  quarantine ;  third,  slaughter  of  diseased  ani- 
mals and  burning  the  carcasses;  fourth,  immuni- 
zation and  a  change  of  range.  The  very  best 
thing  one  can  do  in  case  of  the  appearance  of  this 
disease  is  to  notify  the  nearest  Federal  or  state 
live  stock  sanitary  official  by  wire.  Veterinarians 
must  disabuse  themselves  of  the  belief  that  it  is  a 
reflection  upon  their  professional  ability  and  skill 
to  call  upon  state  or  Federal  officials  in  outbreaks 
of  disease  that  are  suspected  of  being  highly  con- 
tagious and  susceptible  of  control  only  by  con- 
certed public  action.  It  demonstrates  a  better 
ability  to  take  this  precaution  a  hundred  times 
where  later  developments  reveal  it  unnecessary 
than  to  fail  to  take  it  one  time  and  thus  permit 
the  unnecessary  infection  of  wide  areas  and  as  a 
consequence  great  loss  perhaps  for  years  to  come. 

2.    Malignant  Edema. 

Edema  malignum;  septicemia  gangraenosa. 
Cause:    The  anaerobic  "Bacillus  edematis  ma- 
ligni." 


86 


SHEEP  DISEASES. 


This  is  a  wound  infection  disease  often  fol- 
lowing castration.  The  germ  greatly  resembles 
the  causative  factor  of  anthrax,  except  that  it  has 
rounded  ends.  Like  tetanus,  it  grows  only  in 
oxygen  free  cultures. 

Symptoms:  In  general  the  clinical  picture  is 
much  the  same  as  that  of  blackleg.  Usually  the 

sheep  is  found  dead, 
and  others  may  show 
vague  symptoms  indi- 
cating that  something 
is  not  exactly  "right." 

0 /  ^  * s       \     ^le  temperature  is  very 

*  ox  /      high  at  the  onset  of  the 

disease  and  a  diarrhea 
is  usually  present.  Crep- 
itating swellings  similar 
to  those  seen  in  blackleg 

can  be  felt  on  the  body;  the  respirations  are  la- 
bored ;  the  pulse  is  wiry ;  and  the  visible  mucous 
membranes  cyanotic. 

Due  to  the  extreme  difficulty  in  making  a  clin- 
ical diagnosis,  a  bacteriological  examination 
should  be  made. 

Treatment:  This  is  a  rare  disease  among  sheep, 
and  is  very  seldom  seen  on  the  range.  It  is  usually 
found  around  the  barn-yard  and  in  low,  damp 
places.  No  successful  treatment  has  so  far  been 
found. 

Prevention  consists  in  moving  the  sheep  to  an- 
other range,  preferably  to  a  higher  one.  It  is  a 
quarantinable  disease  and  should  be  reported  to 
state  officials  immediately. 


BACILLUS  OF  BLACKLEG. 


ACUTE  INFECTIOUS  DISEASES.  87 

3.  Blackleg. 

Black  quarter;  quarter  ill;  symptomatic  an- 
thrax; gangrenous  emphysema. 

Cause:  The  Bacterium  Chauveaui,  a  rather 
thick,  straight  germ,  with  rounded  ends.  It  is  a 
very  difficult  organism  to  eradicate,  as  the  spores 
may  live  for  years. 

Symptoms:  Only  the  greatest  of  care  will  enable 
one  to  differentiate  this  disease  from  certain  forms 
of  poisoning  in  sheep. 

On  the  range  the  course  of  the  malady  is  very 
rapid.  When  first  seen,  the  animal  has  difficulty 
in  walking;  its  abdomen  is  distended  from  bloat- 
ing; a  frothy  discharge  is  seen  oozing  from  the 
mouth,  and  the  temperature  is  very  high.  The 
herder  immediately  diagnoses  the  trouble  as  pois- 
oning, and  many  more  die  before  expert  assistance 
is  sent  for.  When  local  symptoms  are  pronounced, 
such  as  crepitating  swellings  on  the  hindquarters, 
the  diagnosis  is  comparatively  easy  to  make. 

Treatment:  Purely  preventive.  This  is  done  by 
immunization  and  removal  to  another  range. 
Blackleg  is  rather  rare  among  sheep,  but  one  out- 
break that  came  to  the  author's  notice  caused  the 
death  of  over  four  hundred  sheep  before  expert 
assistance  was  even  called.  Every  known  anti- 
dote for  poisoning  had  been  used  to  no  avail. 

4.  Bradsot. 

Braxy;  gastromycosis  ovis. 

This  is  a  disease  much  resembling  blackleg.  It 
is  very  destructive  to  sheep  in  Norway,  Iceland, 


88  SHEEP  DISEASES. 

Denmark,  Germany  and  Scotland.  It  is  seen  in 
the  lowlands  along  the  coast,  and  when  sheep  are 
brought  down  from  the  mountain  pastures  and 
driven  into  infected  ground,  the  loss  is  very  great. 
It  is  not  found  in  this  country. 

5.  Hemorrhagic  Septicemia. 

Catarrhal  fever  of  sheep;  septicemia  hemor- 
rliagica  ovum. 

Cause:  The  Bacillus  ovisepticus,  a  short,  non- 
motile  non-spore-forming  germ,  which  will  not 
stain  by  Gram's  method,  but  stains  with  the  anilin 
dyes. 

Symptoms:  The  animal  is  dull;  listless;  the 
respirations  are  labored,  and  there  is  great  thirst. 
The  temperature  is  high,  and  there  are  present 
some  muscular  tremors.  The  latter  symptom 
makes  the  disease  very  difficult  to  diagnose  from 
some  forms  of  poisoning.  The  high  temperature 
simulates  blackleg,  and  a  very  careful  examination 
must  be  made  to  arrive  at  a  conclusive  opinion.  A 
bacteriological  examination  should  be  made  to 
confirm  the  diagnosis. 

Fortunately,  in  this  country  hemorrhagic  sep- 
ticemia is  a  rare  disease  in  sheep,  but  it  is  common 
in  Europe  and  Argentine. 

Treatment:  Nothing  practical  has  been  found 
but  prevention  by  removal  to  another  range.  Im- 
munization has  been  tried,  and  the  results  have 
been  fairly  satisfactory. 

6.  Rinderpest. 

While  this  is  commonly  a  disease  of  cattle  and 


ACUTE  INFECTIOUS  DISEASES.  89 

not  found  in  this  country,  it  lias  caused  immense 
losses  in  other  parts  of  the  world.  Southern 
Europe,  Asia,  the  Philippines  and  Africa  have 
been  devastated  time  after  time  with  this  deadly 
plague.  In  some  instances  large  losses  of  sheep 
and  goats  have  occurred. 

This  disease  became  such  a  widespread  epizootic 
that  the  first  veterinary  colleges  were  established 
to  combat  this  malady  alone. 

Cause:    Unknown. 

Symptoms:  Experienced  veterinarians  declare 
it  greatly  resembles  hemorrhagic  septicemia, 

Treatment:  As  yet,  no  successful  treatment  has 
been  devised.  Quarantine  and  slaughter  are  the 
two  methods  used  to  combat  it.  Immunization 
with  varying  results  have  been  tried. 

7.    Sheep  Pox. 

Variola  ovina;  pox. 

Cause:  Unknown.  The  purulent  matter  found 
in  the  cutaneous  pustules  seems  to  convey  the 
virus.  ^ 

Symptoms:  The  prodromal  symptoms  are  a  loss 
of  appetite;  high  temperature,  and,  later  on  the 
bare  or  hairy  parts  of  the  skin,  small  papules 
appear.  These  are  covered  with  scabs,  and  in- 
tense itching  follows.  The  disease  is  not  a  fatal 
one,  but  the  irritation  causes  a  great  loss  of  weight 
in  affected  animals.  It  is  not  a  common  disease 
in  this  country. 

Treatment:  As  one  attack  confers  immunity, 
light  outbreaks  are  welcomed  in  the  countries 


90  SHEEP  DISEASES. 

where  the  disease  is  enzootic.  Immunization  has 
been  tried,  but  with  very  little  success.  Hygienic 
care  sems  to  be  the  best  line  of  treatment.  Dif- 
ferentiating the  disease  from  common  scab  is  the 
first  problem. 

8.  Foot-and-Mouth  Disease. 

Aphthae  epizooticae. 

Probably  no  disease  appearing  among  cloven- 
footed  animals  in  this  country  has  been  so  thor- 
oughly discussed  in  the  past  several  years  as  this 
one,  consequently  a  mere  summary  is  given  here, 

Cause:  Unknown.  The  clear  serum-like  con- 
tents of  the  vesicles  and  the  blood  carry  the  con- 
tagium. 

Symptoms:  As  this  is  an  acute  febrile  disease, 
the  first  symptom  noted  is  a  high  temperature 
usually  accompanied  by  a  slight  lameness.  The 
foot  becomes  swollen,  feverish,  and  small  vesicles 
which  later  become  pustules  are  found  in  the  in- 
terdigital  space.  Upon  squeezing  this,  thick  pus 
comes  out  in  a  spiral,  worm-like  shape,  hence  the 
colloquial  term,  u  hoof  -worm. "  Great  care  must 
be  used  to  differentiate  it  from  foot  rot.  Compli- 
cations, such  as  lack  of  appetite,  abortion  in  preg- 
nant ewes,  and  vesicles  on  other  parts  of  the  body, 
as  in  the  mouth  and  sometimes  on  the  teats,  may 
help  one  to  exclude  any  form  of  rot.  In  the 
latter  disease  the  hoof  becomes  gangrenous,  and 
to  one  who  has  seen  both,  the  difference  between 
these  two  disorders  is  very  noticeable.  The  his- 
tory of  an  attack  is  perhaps  more  important  in 
arriving  at  a  diagnosis  than  are  the  lesions.  The 


ACUTE  INFECTIOUS  DISEASES.  91 

fact  that  all  kinds  of  cloven  hoofed  animals  on 
the  premises  are  affected;  the  low  percentage  of 
the  susceptible  animals  that  succumb;  the  lame- 
ness in  the  hogs;  the  "smacking"  in  cattle;  the 
immunity  of  horses  and  mules;  the  mortality  of 
the  sucklings,  etc.,  must  be  taken  into  considera- 
tion in  differentiating  this  disease.  Avoid  a  pub- 
lic announcement  of  the  presence  of  this  disease 
until  the  diagnosis  is  positive;  but  take  no  chances 
of  permitting  the  spread  of  the  disease  through  a 
failure  to  notify  the  proper  authorities  in  every 
suspected  case.  The  instructions  issued  by  the 
Bureau  of  Animal  Industry  at  Washington  on  this 
matter  are  as  follows:  "In  all  cases  of  foot-and- 
mouth  disease,  even  where  there  are  only  slight 
grounds  for  suspicion  of  a  new  outbreak,  the  mat- 
ter should  be  reported  immediately  by  wire,  to  the 
Chief  of  the  Bureau;  a  detailed  written  report 
should  be  forwarded  as  soon  as  possible.  This 
report  should  include  a  description  of  the  lesions 
and  their  location,  the  number  of  susceptible  ani- 
mals of  each  species  on  the  farm,  the  number  of 
animals  of  each  species  affected,  the  temperature 
record,  and  the  history,  including  the  evidence,  if 
any,  of  contagion."  Heed  them. 

Treatment:  This  is  a  subject  open  to  discussion. 
It  has  been  proved  that  quarantine  and  slaughter, 
except  perhaps  in  very  high  priced  stock,  is  the 
only  safe  and  sane  method  to  combat  the  disease 
where  there  is  a  probability  of  its  eradication.. 
The  course  of  the  disease  is  from  ten  days  to  two 
weeks;  it  is  but  slightly  fatal,  except  in  some  out- 
breaks where  it  assumes  a  malignant  form  and  in 


92  SHEEP  DISEASES. 

young  animals,  but  its  effect  on  weight  and  milk 
or  wool  causes  a  great  economic  loss. 

It  is  a  quarantinable  disease,  and  as  above  stated 
one  should  waste  no  time  in  notifying  the  proper 
authorities  of  suspected  cases.  The  failure  to  do 
this  in  the  1914  outbreak  resulted  in  the  expendi- 
ture of  five  million  dollars  by  the  Federal  and  vari- 
ous state  governments  in  combatting  this  disease 
and  a  loss  to  the  livestock  industry  from  quaran- 
tines and  interference  with  the  marketing  of  live- 
stock, probably  four  times  as  great.  Twenty-five 
millions  for  neglect  of  this  simple  precaution! 

9.   Tetanus. 

Lockjaw;  trismus. 

Cause:  The  Bacillus  tetani,  an  anaerobic  or- 
ganism. It  is  a  slender,  spore-forming  germ  and 
has  been  called  the  * '  pin  bacillus ' '  and  the  ' '  tennis 
racket  bacillus. " 

Symptoms:  Being  a  wound-infection  disease,  it 
usually  appears  among  lambs  after  castration, 
docking,  ear  marking,  or  in  rare  cases,  from  um- 
bilical infection.  There  have  been  cases  where 
ewes  have  been  infected  after  labor. 

In  young  lambs,  about  a  day  or  so  after  infection, 
they  become  dull,  lose  their  appetite,  and  as  the 
disease  progresses,  assume  a  stiff  "saw-buck" 
attitude.  The  muscles  in  the  neck  become  rigid, 
which  causes  an  inability  to  swallow,  and  subse- 
quent bloating  is  noticeable.  Sometimes  a  profuse 
diarrhea  occurs.  Death  occurs  from  suffocation. 

This  disease  is  quite  apt  to  run  a  subacute  course 


ACUTE  INFECTIOUS  DISEASES.  93 

in  lambs  infected  from  castration  or  docking 
wounds.  They  may  be  unable  to  put  the  nose  to 
the  ground  to  drink  from  a  pail  or  even  to  nurse 
for  as  much  as  two  weeks  and  yet  retain  their 
ability  to  swallow  milk  given  as  a  drench.  During 
most  of  this  time,  they  may  be  able  to  walk  with- 
out much  difficulty  and  even  to  run  rather  swiftly 
in  a  straight  line,  and  yet  when  down  be  unable 
to  rise  without  help.  These  cases  when  down  lie 
on  the  side  with  the  legs  extended  stiffly,  hori- 
zontally. In  turning  when  running,  they  are  al- 
most sure  to  fall.  If  they  fall  in  the  warm  sun- 
shine and  lie  there  for  a  time,  a  very  high  tem- 
perature up  to  108  to  110  degrees  Fahrenheit 
speedily  ensues.  Recovery  is  rare. 

Once  this  affection  appears  in  a  flock  it  is  apt 
to  affect  as  high  as  twenty-five  per  cent  of  the 
lambs  having  access  to  the  infected  quarters  after 
castration. 

Treatment:  After  the  characteristic  symptoms 
appear  among  sheep,  very  little  can  be  done.  Since 
the  infection  occurs  only  among  flocks  having 
access  to  a  much  used  corral,  the  entire  band 
should  be  moved  to  other  quarters.  Immuniza- 
tion is  practical  only  in  high  priced  animals. 

10.   Rabies. 

Hydrophobia;  lyssa;  mad-dog;  canine  rage. 

This  disease  has  assumed  importance  in  the 
West  due  to  outbreaks  among  dogs,  coyotes  and 
other  predatory  animals  on  the  range.  Much  loss 
has  occurred  among  sheep  from  this  disease,  and 
the  zone  of  infection  is  constantly  increasing. 


94  SHEEP  DISEASES. 

Cause:  Unknown.  The  virus  is  conveyed  by 
the  saliva,  Negri  bodies  found  in  the  brain  con- 
firm the  clinical  diagnosis.  Remarkable  success 
in  diagnosing  this  disease  from  a  blood  examina- 
tion has  been  reported  recently. 

Symptoms:  In  sheep,  the  period  of  incubation 
is  unknown;  there  are  practically  no  prodromal 
symptoms.  In  ewes,  stamping  the  feet  and  a  de- 
sire to  butt  everything  in  sight  is  noticeable.  In 
bucks,  the  sexual  desire  is  greatly  increased.  This 
stage  of  disease  persists  for  nearly  a  week,  and 
the  animal  finally  drops  to  the  ground  from  ex- 
haustion and  dies  with  paralysis. 

The  diagnosis  can  usually  be  made  from  the 
history  of  the  case,  together  with  the  character- 
istic symptoms  of  the  affected  animals.  Poison- 
ing is  often  confused  with  this  ailment  by  the 
herders,  and  in  every  doubtful  case  a  microscopi- 
cal examination  of  the  brain  should  be  made,  as 
the  autopsy  reveals  little  or  nothing. 

Treatment:  Infected  animals  should  be  de- 
stroyed and  the  carcasses  burned.  Extra  precau- 
tions should  be  observed  in  watching  the  actions 
of  the  sheep  dogs.  The  Pasteur  treatment  should 
immediately  be  administered  to  any  person  bitten 
by  even  a  suspicious-acting  dog.  The  expense  of 
the  Pasteur  treatment  is  too  great  to  be  practical 
for  ordinary  sheep,  although  valuable  ones  may 
be  given  the  Pasteur  treatment.  Dr.  Zell  has  re- 
ported a  successful  inexpensive  prophylactic 
treatment  that  he  has  used  to  some  extent  in  an 
experimental  way. 


ACUTE  INFECTIOUS  DISEASES.  95 

11.   Tuberculosis. 

Pearly  disease;  consumption;  grapes;  "white 
plague." 

While  sheep  are  not  very  susceptible  to  this 
disease,  government  reports  for  last  year  show 
over  half-a-million  dollars'  worth  of  mutton  con- 
demned for  this  disease  alone. 

Cause:  The  Bacterium  tuberculosis,  a  very 
small  organism  found  chiefly  in  the  lymph  system. 
Because  of  the  very  extensive  literature  on  this 
subject  only  a  brief  summary  is  herewith  given. 

Symptoms:  A  tuberculous  sheep  exhibits  very 
few  symptoms;  a  lack  of  thrift  being  the  most 
noticeable.  The  visible  mucous  membranes  are 
pale,  while  the  wool  is  harsh  and  dry.  The  clin- 
ical picture  greatly  resembles  infection  by  stomach 
worms,  and  only  an  autopsy  will  determine  the 
exact  trouble.  In  suspected  cases  the  intra-dermal 
tuberculin  test  may  be  resorted  to. 

Treatment:  At  present,  hopeless.  An  entire 
change  of  quarters  and  breeding  stock  is  advised. 

12.    Ovine  Caseous  Lymphadenitis. 
Pseudo-tuberculosis. 

Cause:  The  Bacillus  pseudotuberculosis  ovis,  a 
very  delicate,  non-spore-forming,  rod-shaped 
germ.  It  stains  with  anilin  dyes  and  by  Gram's 
method. 

Symptoms:  There  are  no  marked  symptoms, 
and  the  disease  is  not  discovered  until  after  death. 
Many  cases  are  reported  by  government  inspectors 


96  SHEEP  DISEASES. 

at  packing  houses;  the  malady  seems  widespread 
over  the  West. 

The  lymphatic  glands  become  caseous,  and  in 
individuals  where  great  enlargement  has  taken 
place,  emaciation  is  present. 

Treatment:  Nothing  but  prevention  is  known 
at  the  present  time. 

13.  Actinomycosis. 

Lumpy  jaw;  big  jaw;  wooden  tongue. 

Cause:    Actinomyces  bovis,  or  ray  fungus. 

Symptoms:  Inability  to  chew  food  is  the  first 
symptom  noted,  followed  by  a  swelling  on  the  jaw. 
The  tongue  may  be  affected,  and  the  animal  suc- 
cumb to  starvation.  It  is  a  very  rare  disease  in 
sheep,  but  cases  are  on  record. 

Treatment:  None  practical  on  the  ranges, 
Slaughter  under  government  inspection  is  perhaps 
the  best  method.  Where  but  a  single  or  at  most 
but  a  few  individuals  are  affected  on  a  small  farm 
the  administration  of  potassium  iodid  may  be  re- 
sorted to. 

14.   Glanders. 

Sheep  have  never  been  known  to  become  in- 
fected through  natural  sources.  This  disease  was 
formerly  confused  with  hemorrhagic  septicemia, 

15.  Contagious  Abortion. 

Another  disease  seldom  found  in  sheep.  Usually 
the  form  of  abortion  occurring  among  ewes  is  due 
to  toxic  ingredients  found  in  the  food,  or  to  ex- 
posure and  bruises. 


ACUTE  INFECTIOUS  DISEASES.  97 

16.   Piroplasmosis. 

Carceag;  ictero-hematuria;  malarial  catarrlial 
fever. 

A  disease  not  found  in  this  country,  but  existing 
principally  in  the  Balkan  states. 

Cause:  Piroplasma  ovis,  resembling  in  shape 
the  causative  factor  of  Texas  fever  in  cattle. 

Symptoms:  High  temperature;  loss  of  appetite, 
and  bloody  urine. 

Treatment:     Wholly  preventive. 

17.   Foot  Rot. 
Lip-and-leg  ulceration. 

Two  forms  of  foot  rot  are  recognized  on  the 
western  range.  One  is  non-contagious,  and  is  due 
entirely  to  wet  weather  and  standing  in  mud  which 
softens  the  hoof  and  produces  a  condition  prac- 
tically the  same  as  scratches  in  horses. 

The  second  type  of  foot  rot  is  caused  by  the 
Bacillus  necrophorus,  which,  when  affecting  the 
mouth  at.  the  same  time,  is  called  "lip-and-leg 
ulceration,"  and  in  some  stages  might  be  mis- 
taken for  foot-and-mouth  disease  by  the  inexpe- 
rienced. 

Symptoms:  The  contagious  form  exhibits  very 
marked  symptoms.  The  affected  sheep  limps; 
swollen  areas  are  found  around  the  coronary  band, 
with  a  separation  of  the  hoof,  and  little  gangren- 
ous spots  having  a  very  putrid  odor  occur  around 
the  interdigital  canal ;  sometimes  the  infection  ex- 
tends to  the  eyes  and  nose  and,  in  females,  to  the 
genital  organs. 


98  SHEEP  DISEASES. 

Treatment:  Driving  the  band  through  a  trough 
containing  several  inches  of  copper  sulphate  solu- 
tion— one  pound  to  a  gallon  of  water — usually 
results  in  improvement.  The  worst  infected  feet 
should  be  trimmed  with  a  sharp  knife  before  treat- 
ing. Pure  Balsam  of  Peru  is  an  excellent  local 
application  where  there  is  much  gangrene. 

18.   Septicemia. 

Blood  poisoning;  pyemia. 

This  is  a  term  used  when  invading  organisms 
of  the  pus  or  coli  communis  type  enter  the  cir- 
culatory system,  and  cause  such  specific  diseases 
as  navel-ill  in  the  lamb  (page  133)  or  septic  me- 
tritis  (page  142)  in  the  ewe,  which  see. 


SECTION  VI. 

DISEASES  OF  THE  BLOOD. 

1.   Anemia. 

Acute  anemia  may  be  caused  by  some  form  of 
traumatism,  such  as  may  result  in  a  severed  blood 
vessel;  or  it  may  be  caused  by  epistaxis  or  phle- 
botomy. 

Chronic  anemia  is  usually  the  result  of  internal 
parasites,  such  as  stomach  worms;  external  para- 
sites, as  the  scab  mites,  or  the  ingestion  of  large 
quantities  of  marshy,  watery  food.  Extensive 
feeding  of  beets,  turnips  or  other  foods  deficient 
in  proteids  may  cause  this  condition. 

Anemia  is  primarily  a  symptom  of  some  dis- 
order. 

Symptoms:  The  manifestations  of  this  ailment 
are  very  pronounced  in  sheep.  The  skin,  instead 
of  being  of  a  pinkish  hue,  is  a  paper-like  white. 
Later,  the  animal  becomes  dull,  loses  its  appetite, 
becomes  weak,  is  not  able  to  stand  up,  and  death 
from  suffocation  ends  the  clinical  picture. 

Treatment:  This  consists  in  removing  the  ex- 
citing cause,  be  it  parasites,  exposure,  or  lack  of 
exercise  and  supplying  good  nourishing  food. 
Some  form  of  iron  should  be  fed  the  affected 
animals  ad  lib. 


99 


100  SHEEP  DISEASES. 

2.   Red  Water. 

Sanguineous  ascites. 

This  ailment  is  due  to  feeding  frosty  turnips  or 
other  watery  roots  that  have  been  frozen. 

Symptoms:  In  the  morning,  upon  going  out  to 
feed  the  animals,  several  sheep  will  be  found  to 
have  no  appetite.  The  breathing  will  be  labored, 
and  considerable  bloat  is  present.  A  swelling  is 
often  noticed  under  the  lower  jaw  and  the  under 
side  of  the  neck.  Constipation  is  followed  by  a 
profuse  diarrhea.  The  clinical  picture  greatly  re- 
sembles poisoning. 

Treatment:  The  chances  for  recovery  depend 
on  how  long  the  disorder  has  been  present.  If 
the  animal  is  anemic,  young  and  delicate,  the  pros- 
pects for  successful  treatment  are  not  good.  A 
complete  change  of  quarters,  food  and  water  is 
recommended.  The  following  may  be  tried: 

B 

Fer.  chlorid Si 

Oleum  lini  q.  s.  ad sviii 

M.  Sig.     Give  tablespoonful  once  daily. 

3.    Pining. 

This  disease  is  not  found  in  this  country.  It 
occurs  in  England,  where  many  plants  are  found 
that  have  a  tendency  to  constipate.  The  onset  of 
this  disease  is  very  insidious;  it  runs  a  course  of 
from  a  week  to  a  month  and  ends  fatally. 

Symptoms:  The  wool  becomes  harsh;  the  eyes 
dull;  the  mucous  membranes  pale,  and  towards 


DISEASES  OP  THE  BLOOD.  101 

the  end,  the  sheep  lies  down  a  great  deal.  Finally, 
it  becomes  too  weak  to  get  up,  and  dies  from  inani- 
tion. 

Treatment:  The  only  treatment  known  to  be 
of  value  is  a  change  of  range,  to  prevent  an  ex- 
tension of  the  disease.  It  is  possible  also  that 
animals  in  incipient  stages  of  the  disease  may  be 
saved  by  this  means. 


SECTION  VII. 

DISEASES  OF  METABOLISM. 

1.  Obesity. 

This  is  a  rather  rare  disease  among  sheep;  al- 
ways secondary  to  some  other  trouble.  Cases  of 
non-pathological  obesity  will  be  eagerly  purchased 
by  the  butcher. 

2.  Rachitis. 
Rickets. 

This  disease  is  due  to  a  deficiency  of  lime  salts, 
occurring  almost  exclusively  among  lambs. 

Symptoms:  The  animal  becomes  delicate  and 
does  not  thrive.  The  legs  become  crooked  and 
pliable,  and  the  "bow-legs"  in  front  are  very 
noticeable. 

Treatment:  Supply  the  necessary  bone-build- 
ing mineral  salts.  The  following  is  excellent  for 
lambs: 

B 

Syr.  lactophosphate  Sviii 

Cod-liver  oil Sxvi 

M.  Sig.    One  ounce  daily  with  dose  syringe. 

If  the  patient  is  a,  suckling,  the  ewe  can  be  given 
lime-containing  foods  and  the  calcium  phosphate 
mixed  with  molasses  and  given  as  an  electuary. 

3.  Wool  Eating. 

This  is  more  of  a  habit  among  sheep  than  a  dis- 
ease. Usually  when  a  band  of  sheep  are  kept  in 

102 


DISEASES  OF  METABOLISM.  103 

close  quarters,  one  or  two  may  become  warm  and 
itchy  and  bite  their  wool.  This  leads  to  more 
biting  and  others  imitate  it.  A  few  animals  may 
die  from  ingesting  too  much  wool,  which  form 
balls  in  their  intestines,  causing  an  obstruction. 
Others  seem  not  to  be  affected  in  any  way  what- 
ever. 

Treatment:  This  consists  in  removing  the  wool- 
eaters  from  the  rest  of  the  flock,  and  giving  each 
one  a  hypodermic  injection  of  one-tenth  grain 
apomorphin  once  daily  for  three  or  four  days. 

4.  Diabetes. 

This  is  a  very  rare  affection  of  sheep ;  the  cause 
is  not  known.  It  has  been  classed  variously  as  a 
disease  of  the  kidneys,  liver  and  of  the  blood. 

Diabetes  insipidus  is  a  condition  whereby  large 
quantities  of  urine,  with  no  excess  of  sugar,  are 
voided. 

Diabetes  mellitus  indicates  that  large  quantities 
of  sugar  are  being  passed. 

Treatment:  Slaughter  under  government  super- 
vision, with  a  change  of  diet  for  the  apparently 
healthy  members  of  the  flock. 


SECTION  VIII. 

DISEASES  OF  THE  URINARY 
ORGANS. 

1.    Hematuria. 

Red  corpuscles  in  the  urine,  causing  the  latter 
to  assume  a  reddish  color,  is  a  condition  often  fol- 
lowing the  ingestion  of  frozen  or  poisonous  forage, 
severe  injuries  to  the  abdomen,  and  renal  calculi. 

Treatment:  Is  purely  symptomatic.  Clean  food, 
with  hygienic  care,  usually  prevents  the  trouble 
from  extending  to  other  members  of  the  band. 

2.   Uremia. 

Uremia  is  a  condition  in  which  the  solid  con- 
stituents of  the  urine  are  retained  in  the  blood 
circulation. 

The  exciting  cause  may  be  a  retention  of  the 
urine  in  the  bladder,  caused  by  urinary  calculi, 
or  a  paralysis  of  the  latter,  due  to  some  form  of 
poisoning. 

Symptoms:  It  is  very  difficult  to  differentiate 
from  poisoning,  or  abdominal  injuries,  until  one 
can  detect  the  urinous  respiration.  After  a  period 
of  intense  pain,  stupor  and  paralysis  ensue  and 
the  animal  dies  in  a  comatose  condition. 

Treatment:  There  is  no  successful  treatment, 
and  immediate  slaughter  should  be  advised. 

104 


DISEASES  OF  THE  URINARY  ORGANS.    105 

3.   Nephritis. 

Inflammation  of  the  kidneys;  renal  inflamma- 
tion. 

This  is  a  secondary  condition,  following  the  in- 
vasion of  parasites;  infectious  diseases;  injuries; 
exposure  to  cold  and  rain,  and  poisonings. 

The  symptoms  are  mainly  associated  with  the 
primary  disorder,  and  as  urinary  analyses  are  im- 
practical in  routine  work  with  sheep,  very  little 
can  be  done. 

The  treatment  is  symptomatic  and  not  very  suc- 
cessful. 

4.  Rare  and  Unimportant  Diseases  of  the  Urinary 
Organs. 

Occasionally  diseases  of  the  urinary  tract  other 
than  those  mentioned  in  the  foregoing  are  found 
in  sheep.  Usually  they  are  not  recognized  until 
after  death.  Among  these  may  be  mentioned  cys- 
tic kidneys,  renal  calculi,  cystitis,  and  tape  worm 
cysts — the  Echinococcus  polymorphous. 


SECTION  IX. 

DISEASES  OF  THE  CIRCULATORY 
ORGANS. 

1.   Pericarditis. 

Due  to  the  fact  that  the  sheep  is  such  a  dainty 
eater  we  find  no  traumatic  pericarditis  such  as 


"STUNTS"    WITH   THE  LAIMAT. 
A   sheep  camp  is  often  located   50  to  200 
or  even  300  miles  from  the  home  ranch  and 
the  camp  tender's  life  is  a  monotonous  one. 

occurs  in  the  bovine.    Other  forms  are  almost  un- 
known. 

2.    Dropsy  of  the  Pericardium. 
When  this  occurs  it  is  usually  a  secondary  affec- 
tion due  to  poisonings,  parasites  in  the  liver,  or 
chronic  inflammation  of  the  kidneys. 

106 


DISEASES  OF  THE  CIRCULATORY  ORGANS.   107 

3.    Hypertrophy  of  the  Heart. 

This  is  a  secondary  ailment,  usually  resulting 
from  the  effects  of  parasites  in  the  blood  stream. 

4.   Valvular  Diseases. 

This  is  co-incident  with,  and  caused  by  the  same 
pathological  conditions  as  hypertrophy  of  the 
heart. 


COUNTING  Six  THOUSAND. 

Sheep  practice  in  the  range  country  does  not  take  the 
veterinarian  over  paved  streets  or  even  surveyed  roads. 

These  diseases  of  the  heart  in  sheep  are  rarely, 
if  ever,  diagnosed  during  life.  The  chief  object 
in  mentioning  them  is  to  enable  the  practitioner 
to  guard  against  invasions  of  similar  nature  in 
the  apparently  healthy  members  of  the  flock. 


SECTION  X. 

H     DISEASES  OF  THE  RESPIRATORY 

ORGANS. 

1.   Epistaxis. 

Hemorrhage  from  the  nose;  nasal  hemorrhage; 
bleeding  from  the  nose. 

This  is  merely  a  secondary  condition,  following 
injuries  to  the  head  and  nose,  parasites,  and  acute 
infectious  diseases. 

Treatment:  When  the  blood  shows  no  sign  of 
coagulation  tampons  of  absorbent  cotton,  satu- 
rated with  tincture  of  iron,  tannic  acid,  alum,  tur- 
pentine or  adrenalin  chlorid,  charcoal  or  even 
earth,  may  be  applied. 

2.  Nasal  Catarrh. 

Snuffles. 

This  ailment  ordinarily  results  from  exposure 
to  the  cold  or  rain;  dipping  or  shearing  too  early, 
or  from  an  invasion  of  parasites.  The  symptoms 
are  obvious. 

Treatment:  Mainly  consists  in  removing  the 
exciting  cause.  Pine  tar  may  be  smeared  over  the 
nostrils,  and  the  animal  given  clean,  dry  quarters. 
The  following  given  for  several  days  may  abort  an 
attack  of  pneumonia  as  a  complication: 

108 


DISEASES  OF  THE  RESPIRATORY  ORGANS.     109 


Creosoti,  Beech  ............................     3ii 

Spts.  camphorae    ..........................       %i 

Ol.  lini  q.  s.  ad  ..............................  Sviii 

M.  Sig.     Give  one  tablespoonful  three  times  a  day. 

3.   Non-Parasitic  Bronchitis. 

Frequently  a  sequela  of  nasal  catarrh. 

Cause,  symptoms  and  treatment  practically  the 
same  as  for  nasal  catarrh. 

Verminous  bronchitis,  caused  by  lung  worms, 
is  considered  in  the  section  on  parasites. 

4.   Japp  Disease. 

This  is  a  disease  not  found  in  this  country,  but 
common  in  parts  of  Germany.  It  is  characterized 
by  an  intense  bronchitis.  No  cause  nor  cure  has 
yet  been  discovered. 

5.  Pneumonia. 

Inflammation  of  the  lungs;  lung  fever;  pneu- 
monitis;  and  congestion  of  the  lungs. 

Three  types  are  recognized  in  sheep: 

a.  Parasitic  —  due  to  lung  worms. 

b.  Traumatic  —  caused  by  drenching. 

c.  Common  congestion  of  the  lungs,  caused  by 
exposure;  chills;  wet  weather,  and  as  sequela  fol- 
lowing nasal  catarrh  or  bronchitis. 

Symptoms:  These  are  characteristic,  but  very 
difficult  to  differentiate  from  acute  poisoning,  at 
the  onset.  Cough;  labored  respiration;  loss  of  ap- 
petite; congestion  of  the  visible  mucous  mem- 
branes, followed  by-  weakness,  are  present,  and 
often  followed  by  death.  In  large  bands,  as  many 


110  SHEEP  DISEASES. 

as  fifteen  hundred  sheep  have  succumbed  within 
a  few  days,  during  a  season  of  wet  or  cold  weather. 

Treatment:  In  no  disease  are  hygienic  measures 
more  important,  and  when  these  cannot  be  given, 
attempts  at  medical  treatment  are  useless.  Cam- 
phor and  creosote,  such  as  has  been  suggested  for 
nasal  catarrh,  or  spartein  sulphate,  given  in  five- 
grain  doses,  hypodermatically,  may  be  given. 

6.   Pleurisy. 

Inflammation  of  the  pleura;  pleuritis. 

This  affection  is  a  common  sequela  of  pneu- 
monia, 

Symptoms:  The  manifestations  are  quite  char- 
acteristic. The  animal  grunts  as  it  breathes,  and 
the  flanks  are  more  used  than  the  chest.  There  is' 
a  loss  of  appetite  and  suspension  of  rumination. 
On  percussion,  dull  sounds  are  heard  on  the  lower 
edge  of  the  chest. 

Treatment:  When  this  disease  has  become 
established,  therapeutic  measures  are  more  or  less 
useless.  In  valuable  animals,  fifteen  grain  doses 
of  potassium  iodid  may  be  given  three  times  a  day. 
The  prognosis  is  grave. 


SECTION  XI. 

DISEASES  OF  THE  DIGESTIVE 
SYSTEM. 

Disorders  of  the  digestive  system  probably  cause 
more  losses  than  from  all  other  sources  combined. 
Errors  in  feeding,  parasites,  poisons,  and  preda- 
tory animals  all  take  their  toll  of  life  in  large 
numbers,  but  all  fall  far  behind  those  ailments 
originating  in  the  alimentation  in  the  extent  of 
loss  occasioned  the  sheep  industry. 

1.    Stomatitis. 

See  Section  on  Diseases  of  the  Lamb  (page  137) ; 
also  Foot  Rot  (page  97),  and  Foot-and-Mouth 
Disease  (page  90). 

2.   Choke. 

Obstruction  of  the  esophagus. 

This  a  rare  condition  found  in  sheep,  but  when 
it  does  occasionally  occur  from  the  lodgment  of  a 
sharp  pointed  piece  of  root  in  the  esophagus,  great 
excitement  reigns  among  the  sheep  herders.  They 
seem  to  think  an  animal  breathes  through  its  gul- 
let, and  a  few  moments'  delay  will  cause  suffoca- 
tion, and  death. 

Symptoms:  The  manifestations  of  this  ailment 
are  very  pronounced.  Labored  breathing;  sudden 
loss  of  appetite  and  rumination;  bloating;  normal 
temperature,  and  attempts  to  swallow,  all  differ- 
entiate the  clinical  picture  from  acute  poisoning 
for  which  it  may  be  mistaken  at  the  onset. 

Ill 


112  SHEEP  DISEASES. 

Treatment:  If  the  obstruction  can  be  felt  in  the 
neck,  massage  may  be  tried.  An  equine  catheter 
may  be  used  as  a  probang,  and  the  obstruction 
dislodged  by  its  steady  pressure.  A  quarter  grain 
pilocarpin  administered  hypodermically  often 
gives  relief  within  an  hour  or  so. 

The  great  danger  is  from  the  bloating.  The 
use  of  the  trocar  should  not  be  neglected  if  at  all 
indicated,  for  collapse  in  sheep  occurs  when  least 
expected.  Due  to  the  heaviness  of  the  fleece  we 
often  do  not  detect  intense  tympany  in  sheep  until 
it  is  too  late  to  save  the  animal. 

In  case  the  obstruction  proves  stubborn  and 
"watchful  waiting"  avails  nothing,  immediate 
slaughter  may  be  advised. 

3.    Bloat. 

Hoven;  blasting;  meteorism. 

This  condition  is  a  common  one  in  the  West; 
large  numbers  of  sheep  are  lost  annually  from 
acute  bloat.  Any  kind  of  forage  may  cause  the 
trouble,  especially  after  a  rain.  Wet  alfalfa  is 
particularly  deadly. 

In  the  fall,  after  having  been  on  the  summer 
range,  the  sheep  are  trailed  leisurely  back  over 
the  rich  farming  sections  to  the  "home  ranch." 
Wheat  or  oats  stubble  is  rented  by  the  sheep  man 
and  the  animals  turned  in.  Hungry  for  grain,  it 
is  remarkable  how  much  the  animals  can  pick  up 
in  a  few  hours.  If  there  is  any  alfalfa  near  and 
available,  trouble  may  ensue,  not  only  from  bloat, 
but  from  founder.  Quick  action  is  required  by 
the  attending  veterinarian,  and  the  treatment 


DISEASES  OP  THE  DIGESTIVE  SYSTEM.     113 

heroic.  The  small  dose  teaching  of  text-books 
must  be  cast  to  the  winds,  and  the  medicines  given 
in  quantities  that  would  cause  an  inexperienced 
veterinarian  to  shudder. 

Symptoms:  One  or  more  animals  stand  with  a 
look  of  helpless  pain;  respirations  are  labored,  and 
the  abdomen  distended  in  an  '  *  apple-shape. ' '  Soon 
the  animal  staggers,  tries  to  stand  up,  but  drops 
to  the  ground  and  succumbs  in  a  convulsion,  the 
immediate  cause  of  death  being  suffocation. 

Treatment:  Thousands  of  "sure  cures"  for 
bloat  have  been  recommended.  If  they  are  avail- 
able, it  is  suggested  that  turpentine,  oil  of  eucalyp- 
tus, aromatic  spirits  of  ammonia,  formalin,  fresh 
milk  and  coal  oil  be  used.  As  this  is  a  "first-aid 
emergency, "  one  must  think  and  act  quickly,  and 
be  able  to  use  what  therapeutic  agents  are  at  hand. 

We  will  suppose  a  hundred  head  of  sheep  have 
had  access  to  a  "big  feed/'  and  the  animals  are 
not  only  bloated  but  foundered.  Here  we  have 
a  complicated  condition — a  double  calamity — and 
our  measures  must  be  directed,  first,  to  lessen  the 
formation  of  gas,  and  next,  to  alleviate  the  intense 
congestion  of  blood  in  various  parts. 

Two  buckets  of  medicine  are  hastily  mixed  up, 
each  containing  two  gallons  or  two  hundred  and 
fifty-six  ounces,  which  will  treat  one  hundred  and 
twenty-eight  head,  giving  each  animal  a  two-ounce 
dose  syringe  full. 

In  prescription  "A"  we  figure  on  giving  one 
drachm  each  of  turpentine,  oil  of  eucalyptus,  aro- 
matic spirits  of  ammonia  in  enough  raw  linseed  oil 


114  SHEEP  DISEASES. 

to  make  two  ounces.    Consequently  our  prescrip- 
tion would  read:  , 

R 

Spt.  Ammon.  Aro. 
Ol.  eucalypti. 

Ol.  Terebinth,  aa 3xvi 

Ol.  lini  q.  s.  ad Cong,  ii 

M.  f.  sol. 

Sig.  One  two-ounce  syringe  full  at  once.  Repeat  in  fifteen 
minutes  in  subacute  cases. 

For  the  laminitis,  the  following  can  be  given  as 
soon  as  the  bloat  has  subsided  to  such  an  extent 
that  the  animal  seems  to  be  somewhat  improved. 

K 

Kali  permangan. 

Alumen  sulph.  aa Sviii 

Aquae    q.    s.    ad Cong,  ii 

M.  f.  sol. 

Sig.  One  two-ounce  dose  syringe  full  an  hour  after  first 
medicine  has  been  given. 

By  the  use  of  three  or  four  syringes  and  group- 
ing the  help  in  pairs — one  to  hold  the  animal,  and 
the  other  to  administer  the  medicine,  a  hundred 
head  can  be  gone  over  in  a  few  minutes.  The 
main  thing  to  impress  on  the  ones  who  administer 
the  medicine  is  to  give  the  half-suffocated  animal 
plenty  of  time  to  swallow  the  drench. 

In  case  the  before  mentioned  drugs  are  not  avail- 
able, with  less  success  one  may  resort  to  ground 
ginger,  milk,  black  pepper,  or  even  whiskey,  which 
is  usually  available  in  a  sheep  camp,  although 
grudgingly  supplied  for  this  purpose. 

4.   Impaction  of  the  Rumen. 

This  is  a  chronic  bloat  or  a  distension  of  the 
rumen  caused  by  fermenting  food  of  a  solid  nature. 


DISEASES  OF  THE  DIGESTIVE  SYSTEM.     115 

Symptoms:  Dullness;  loss  of  appetite  and  ru- 
mination; doughy  feeling  in  the  flank,  the  rumen 
seeming  to  be  of  the  consistency  of  a  mass  of 
dough. 

Treatment:  Give  one-quarter  pound  Epsom  salt 
in  a  quart  or  so  of  lukewarm  water,  to  which  can 
be  added  several  drams  of  aromatic  spirits  of 
ammonia  or  fluid  extract  ginger.  The  triple  sul- 
phocarbolates  are  also  useful  in  this  condition 
where  there  is  much  gas. 

5.  Grass  Staggers. 

Fardel  bound;  drying  up;  stag  gens. 

Impaction  of  the  third  stomach  (the  omasum  or 
manyplies)  is  a  very  fatal  condition  and  treat- 
ment has  proven  to  be  of  little  value.  Upon 
autopsy,  the  spaces  between  the  leaves  of  this 
stomach  will  be  found  packed  full  of  dried  ma- 
terial, and  the  mucous  membranes  nearly  black. 

Treatment:  Large  doses  of  salts,  together  with 
pilocarpin,  may  do  some  good  and  are  worth  try- 
ing, but  the  prognosis  should  be  grave.  When 
delirium  is  present,  perhaps  slaughter  is  the  most 
humane  thing  that  one  can  do. 

6,  Constipation. 

Impaction;  clog ;  twist,  wool  balls. 

In  adult  sheep  this  often  occurs  from  dry  pas- 
ture and  insufficiency  of  succulent  food  and  water. 
Timothy  hay  will  also  cause  this  condition,  even 
with  plenty  of  salt  and  water.  In  lambs,  wool 
balls  is  a  frequent  cause. 


116  SHEEP  DISEASES. 

Symptoms:  Loss  of  appetite;  "humped  up" 
appearance;  attempts  to  defecate;  colicky  pains; 
and  hard  masses  of  feces  in  the  rectum. 

Treatment:  For  a  sheep  of  ordinary  size,  that 
is  not  too  "far  gone",  one  may  attempt  treatment. 
Four  ounces  Epsom  salt  dissolved  in  a  quart  of 
water,  to  which  is  added  one-half  ounce  of  fluid 
extract  of  dioscorea  to  prevent  griping,  may  be 
given  several  times  daily  for  several  days.  An 
enema,  containing  half  an  ounce  of  glycerin,  is 
always  useful.  Laxative  food,  such  as  whole  oats 
and  bran,  equal  parts,  should  be  given  when  the 
animal  regains  its  appetite.  Do  not  give  too  much 
treatment,  or  the  animal  may  "die  getting  well." 

In  suckling  lambs,  give  the  ewe  a  tablespoonful 
of  sodium  hyposulphite  per  day.  The  lamb  may 
be  given  one  or  two  ounces  of  castor  oil,  together 
with  an  enema. 

7*    Colic. 

8  tret  dies;  betty-aclie. 

In  sheep  this  condition  usually  arises  from  eat- 
ing spoiled  forage,  frozen  roots  or  mild  poisons. 

Symptoms:  The  animal  stretches  out  so  far  that 
it  appears  "sway-backed,"  hence  the  term, 
* '  stretches. ' '  It  lies  down  and  then  gets  up  again, 
and  appears  to  be  in  great  pain. 

Treatment:  In  sheep,  one-half  ounce  each  of 
fluid  extract  dioscorea  and  sweet  spirit  of  nitre 
given  in  a  little  water  has  been  found  to  be  useful. 
In  cases  of  much  fermentation,  thirty  grains  of 
the  sulphocarbolates,  with  a  drachm  of  fluid  ex- 


DISEASES  OP  THE  DIGESTIVE  SYSTEM.     117 

tract  ginger,  may  be  given.  Turpentine,  oil  of 
peppermint,  or  any  of  the  carminatives  or  sto- 
machics may  be  given. 

Lambs  may  be  given  one-half  the  above  dosage. 
The  ewe  if  suckling  her  young  may  be  fed  laxative 
food,  and  a  tablespoonful  of  sodium  hyposulphite 
per  day. 

8.  Diarrhea. 

The  Skit  or  The  Skite. 

In  sheep  three  forms  may  be  recognized : 

Sporadic  or  non-infections  diarrhea  of  the  new- 
born lamb. 

Infectious  diarrhea.  Considered  in  the  section 
in  diseases  of  the  lamb. 

Common  dysentery  of  sheep.  This  is  caused 
by  spoiled  food ;  exposure ;  lack  of  exercise,  or  the 
symptom  of  some  acute  poisoning  or  infectious 
disease. 

Treatment:  Successful  treatment  is  largely 
symptomatic.  Immediate  removal  of  the  exciting 
cause  is  necessary.  Twenty  grains  of  subnitrate 
of  bismuth  given  in  a  little  condensed  milk  is  good. 
Triple  sulphocarbolates,  salicylic  acid,  salol,  castor 
oil,  linseed  oil,  milk  of  bismuth  all  have  their  place, 
and  many  more  drugs  have  been  usefully  em- 
ployed in  this  disorder.  Hygienic  care  will  do 
much  to  alleviate  the  trouble. 

9.  Enteritis. 

Inflammation  of  the  bowels. 

Four  types  of  enteritis  in  sheep  are  recognized: 
Simple,   or  n  on -toxic   enteritis.     This   type   is 


118  SHEEP  DISEASES. 

caused  by  chills;  eating  irritating  food;  foreign 
bodies  or  parasites  in  the  intestinal  tract.  It  is 
also  a  sequela  of  constipation  or  diarrhea. 

Croupous  enteritis.  This  occurs  from  feeding 
too  much  chaffy  food,  such  as  "straw-stack  and 
scenery "  in  the  spring,  following  a  hard  winter. 
Dram  doses  of  sodium  bicarbonate  several  times 
daily,  with  nourishing  foods,  seem  to  do  as  much 
good  as  anything  yet  tried. 

Mycotic  enteritis.  This  is  the  most  common 
type  among  sheep.  It  is  due  to  the  ingestion  of 
mouldy  or  fermenting  foods.  Thousands  of  sheep 
are  lost  yearly  from  this  disease  alone.  The  trou- 
ble is  especially  fatal  among  pregnant  ewes,  caus- 
ing abortion,  and  later,  death  from  metritis.  Often 
the  most  painstaking  and  careful  examination  is 
necessary  to  arrive  at  a  correct  diagnosis. 

The  symptoms  are  sudden  and  severe.  There 
is  a  complete  loss  of  appetite;  dullness;  colicky 
pains;  constipation,  followed  by  a  copious 
diarrhea,  in  which  are  long  strings  of  slimy  mucus. 
Paralysis  completes  the  clinical  picture,  and  death 
occurs  in  a  stupor-like  condition.  The  exact  kind 
of  poison  or  toxic  ingredient  in  the  food  largely 
controls  the  symptoms,  and  sometimes  they  are 
very  violent  in  character.  The  history  of  the  case, 
and  an  autopsy  on  animals  already  dead,  help  one 
to  arrive  at  a  conclusive  diagnosis. 

The  treatment  in  the  main  is  unsatisfactory,  for 
the  ailment  has  usually  progressed  too  far  for  me- 
dicinal aid  to  accomplish  much.  Stimulants,  anti- 
ferments,  and  intestinal  antiseptics,  together  with 
rectal  injections,  complete  the  treatment.  Only  in 


DISEASES  OP  THE  DIGESTIVE  SYSTEM.     119 

case  of  large  losses  or  fear  of  some  contagious  dis- 
ease is  expert  assistance  ever  called. 
Toxic  enteritis.     See  section  on  Poisons. 

10.   Piles. 

This  condition  is  very  rare  in  sheep.  Complete 
withdrawal  of  food  for  several  days,  with  appli- 
cations of  belladonna  ointment  to  the  affected 
parts,  is  all  that  is  required. 


SECTION  XII. 

DISEASES  OF  THE  LIVER. 

1.    Icterus. 
Jaundice;  ydloics. 

This  disease  is  frequently  seen  in  packing 
houses.  It  is  very  .rarely  noticed  until  after 
slaughter,  except  in  advanced  cases.  It  is  com- 
monly caused  by  the  liver-fluke;  for  a  complete 
consideration  of  this  subject  see  the  section  on 
Parasitic  Diseases  of  Sheep.  Lead  poisoning  has 
also  been  known  to  cause  this  disorder. 

Treatment:  If  of  parasitic  origin,  treatment  is, 
of  course,  out  of  the  question.  Laxative  food,  com- 
bined with  two-ounce  doses  sodium  phosphate, 
may  relieve  simple  cases. 

2.  Hepatitis. 
Inflammation  of  the  liver. 

When  seen,  it  is  usually  the  result  of  feeding 
on  marshy  land  when  the  forage  is  too  rich  in 
proteid  content. 

The  only  practical  treatment  consists  in  change 
of  feed  and  plenty  of  exercise. 

3.  Lupinosis. 

See  Section  on  Poisons. 


120 


SECTION  XIII. 

DISEASES  OF  THE  PERITONEUM. 

1.   Ascites, 

Dropsy ;  abdominal  dropsy;  liydrops  ascites. 

This  is  a  comparatively  common  ailment  among 
sheep  on  the  western  range,  and  is  not  a  disease  in 
itself,  but  the  visible  symptom  of  some  chronic 
affection  of  a  vital  organ  of  the  body,  such  as  the 
heart,  the  kidneys,  the  lungs,  the  mesenteric 
glands  or  the  portal  vein. 

It  is  the  term  applied  to  the  collection  of  serous 
fluid  found  in  the  peritoneum  not  due  to  inflam- 
mation. 

Under  the  general  head  of  ascites  may  be  men- 
tioned hydremia,  which  is  an  increase  of  the  fluid 
parts  of  the  blood  with  a  corresponding  lessening 
of  the  solid  constituents.  This  frequently  is  seen 
in  parasitic  invasions,  or  in  chronic  lead  or  zinc 
poisoning,  and  is  known  among  sheepmen  of  cer- 
tain localities  as  "dry  rot." 

Symptoms:  These  are  self-evident,  but  the  fol- 
lowing facts  should  be  kept  in  mind: 

a.  Gradual  enlargement,  especially  a  bulging 
out  posterior  to  the  last  pair  of  ribs.     In  shorn 
sheep  this  is  very  noticeable. 

b.  Palpation  of  the  lower  part  of  the  abdomen 
produces  the  typical  dull  sounds,  indicating  the 
presence  of  fluid,  while  the  upper  part  is  tense, 
light  and  gives  a  drum-like  sound. 

121 


122  SHEEP  DISEASES. 

c.  Raising  and  lowering  the  animal  gives  forth 
a  "swishing"  sound,  as  the  fluids  roll  back  and 
forward. 

d.  Holding  the  animal  up  by  the  hind  legs 
accelerates  breathing  as  the  fluids  roll  forward 
and  press  on  the  diaphragm.     Also,  tipping  the 
sheep  to  one  side  causes  a  distension  on  that  side. 

e.  Normal  temperature. 

f.  Rumination  becomes  lessened;  the  appetite 
is  greatly  diminished,  and  later,  the  animal  be- 
comes dull,  and  mopes  around:  The  visible  mucous 
membranes  become  pale;  the  body  emaciated,  and 
the  general  verdict  around  the  sheep  camp  is  that 
the  animal  has  the  ' '  rot. ' ' 

The  important  thing  to  remember  is  to  differen- 
tiate this  practically  incurable,  non-contagious  dis- 
ease from : 

a.  Pregnancy.    No  disturbance  of  the  health. 

b.  Peritonitis.    In  this  condition  there  is  pain, 
fever,  with  all  its  attendant  disturbances  of  the 
general  health. 

c.  Obesity.    This  occurs  usually  in  old,  closely 
confined  animals.    Range  sheep  are  seldom  trou- 
bled with  this  malady. 

d.  Paralysis  of  the  bladder,  or  even  rupture 
of  that  organ,  due  to  urethral  calculi  of  bucks  and 
wethers.    In  this  trouble  there  are  found  colicky 
pains,   high   temperature,   odor  of  urine   on  the 
breath,  followed  by  collapse  and  death.     In  this 
condition,  at  the  first  symptoms,  great  care  must 
be  taken  to  differentiate  the  troubles. 

e.  Other  rare  but  possible  ailments,  such  as 
pyometra,   abdominal   cysts,   hydrometra,   abnor- 


DISEASES  OF  THE  PERITONEUM.          123 

mally  large  tumors,  cystic  kidneys,  degenerated 
kidneys,  or  mummified  fetuses  in  ewes.  In  some 
cases  large  quantities  of  impacted  feces  have  been 
known  to  cause  the  distension  of  the  whole  abdo- 
men. 

These  have  been  gone  into  in  detail  to  prevent 
the  embarrassment  consequent  upon  a  superficial 
examination  and  a  too  hasty  diagnosis. 

Treatment:  In  cases  of  long  standing,  slaughter 
is  advised.  If  some  pure-bred  animal  of  high  value 
contracts  this  disease  during  the  show  circuit,  one 
may  alleviate  the  trouble  by  giving  daily  twenty 
drops  fluid  extract  pilocarpin,  or  one-half  dram 
each  of  resublimed  iodin  and  potassium  iodid  dis- 
solved in  a  couple  ounces  of  water. 

2.  Peritonitis. 

Only  seen  as  a  secondary  condition  following 
bruises,  wound  infections,  enteritis  or  puerperal 
infection.  The  treatment  should  be  symptomatic; 
the  results  are  usually  very  unsatisfactory. 


SECTION  XIV. 

DISEASES  OF  THE  BRAIN 
AND  CORD. 


Sheep  are  subject  to  many  disorders  of  the  brain 
and  cord,  but  most  of  these  are  of  parasitic  or  toxic 
origin,  and  very  little  can  be  done  to  alleviate  the 
actual  condition.  We  can,  however,  by  careful 
autopsies,  find  the  existing  cause,  and  take  pre- 
ventive measures  to  preclude  further  extension  of 
the  trouble. 

1.  Encephalitis. 

Inflammation  of  the  brain. 

This  is  caused  by  the  invasion  of  the  "gid" 
parasites;  fractures  of  the  skull;  exposure,  and 
poisons. 

There  is  no  known  treatment  that  is  satisfactory. 

2.   Apoplexy. 

Under  this  heading  may  be  grouped  sun  stroke, 
heat  stroke,  epilepsy,  fits  and  convulsions. 

It  is  usually  of  parasitic  origin,  except  in  very 
warm  weather  and  in  animals  that  are  abnormally 
fat. 

Except  for  the  removal  of  the  exciting  causes, 
no  treatment  is  practical. 

124 


DISEASES  OF  THE  BRAIN  AND  CORD.    125 

3.   Paralysis. 

Frequently  a  sequela  of  acute  infectious  dis- 
eases, poisons,  intestinal  parasites,  or  cysts  in  the 
brain.  In  lambs  it  is  associated  with  eclampsia 
of  the  ewe,  both  being  caused  by  poor  food,  ex- 
posure or  the  infection  that  causes  abortion. 

When  of  non-parasitic  origin,  twenty-grain 
doses  of  potassium  iodid  given  in  an  ounce  of 
water  several  times  daily  will  do  as  much  good 
as  anything. 

4.   Gid. 

See  section  on  Parasites. 


SECTION  XV. 

DISEASES  OF  THE  ORGANS 
OF  LOCOMOTION. 

1.  Rheumatism. 

Cause:  Usually  damp  quarters;  exposure; 
chills,  or  watery  food. 

This  is  a  very  rare  trouble  in  sheep  but  some- 
times appears  as  an  enzootic  due  to  the  causes 
enumerated  above. 

Symptoms:  Sometimes  in  the  first  stage,  a  very 
high  temperature  is  recorded,  with  labored  respi- 
ration and  stiffness  of  the  gait.  This  causes  the 
trouble  to  be  very  difficult  to  correctly  diagnose 
on  account  of  the  similarity  of  symptoms  found 
in  pneumonia,  poisons,  and  acute  infectious  dis- 
eases. 

Treatment:  Removal  of  the  exciting  causes,  to- 
gether with  hygienic  care.  Twenty-grain  doses  of 
potassium  iodid  or  ten-grain  doses  sodium  salicyl- 
ate  several  times  daily  may  prove  beneficial. 


126 


SECTION  XVI. 

NON-PARASITIC  DISEASES 
OF  THE  SKIN. 

Only  after  the  most  careful  examination  should 
a  diagnosis  of  non-parasitic  disease  of  the  skin  be 
made,  and  then  it  is  the  best  policy  to  keep  a  close 
watch  on  the  affected  animals  and  to  isolate  them 
from  the  apparently  healthy  ones. 

1.   Non-Parasitic  Itch. 

This  condition  is  so  rare  in  sheep  as  to  merely 
merit  the  mention  that  it  may  and  does  occur,  the 
exciting  causes  being  rich  food,  lack  of  exercise 
or  crowding. 

The  treatment  is  removal  of  the  exciting  cause. 

2.    Alopecia. 

Falling  out  of  the  wool;  baldness. 

This  is  frequently  seen  on  the  range,  and  to  the 
inexperienced,  looks  like  scab.  Ewes  that  have 
lost  their  lambs  and  have  had  severe  attacks  of 
mammitis  or  "blue  bag"  are  the  common  victims. 
Sometimes  lack  of  food  and  exposure  are  the  con- 
tributing factors. 

No  treatment  has  been  found  successful,  except 
to  let  it  alone,  and  in  case  of  old  ewes,  prepare 
them  for  market. 


128  SHEEP  DISEASES. 

3.   Eczema. 

This  condition  may  arise  from  insect  stings, 
cockle-burrs,  rain  storms  followed  by  rain  rot,  or 
too  strong  dips. 

Five  classes  of  eczema  are  recognized,  although 
in  practical  work,  everything  not  scab  is  com- 
monly called  eczema. 

Chronic  squamous  eczema  is  a  disease  of  para- 
sitic origin  usually,  such  as  liver  fluke  or  lung 
worms.  It  may  also  be  due  to  lack  of  proper  care. 

Greasy  heels,  resulting  from  muddy  or  damp 
ranges  or  pens. 

Fat  scab,  due  to  dampness,  often  called  "rain- 
rot." 

Solar  eczema,  due  to  irritations  from  the  rays 
of  the  sun  immediately  after  shearing. 

Intertrigo  or  erythema  of  the  claws  and  inter- 
digital  space  due  to  friction  by  sand  or  the  like 
getting  into  the  parts. 

Treatment:  Removal  of  the  exciting  causes, 
and  the  feeding  of  light,  nourishing  foods. 

4.  Rash. 

"Buckwheat  rash,"  as  it  is  called,  occurs  in 
warm  weather  in  sections  of  the  country  where 
this  grain  is  extensively  raised. 

5.  Acne. 

Known  as  "summer  scab."  Closely  associated 
with  eczema. 


NON-PARASITIC  DISEASES  OF  THE  SKIN.    129 

6.  Ring-worm. 

This  affection  is  very  rare  in  sheep.  The 
disease  usually  makes  its  appearance  on  the  neck 
and  back,  forming  a  hard  crust  over  the  part  in- 
fected. 

Scrubbing  the  hard  scabs  until  they  are  soft- 
ened, and  applying  tincture  of  iodin  to  the  raw 
surface  usually  results  in  a  speedy  recovery. 


SECTION  XVII. 

DISEASES  OF  OBSCURE  ORIGIN. 

1.  " Nibbling"  Disease. 

This  disease,  also  known  as  "trotting  disease," 
is  a  very  rare  affection  of  sheep  in  this  country, 
if  it  occurs  here  at  all,  but  is  common  in  Germany. 
The  cause  has  never  been  fully  determined.  It 
was  not  known  in  Germany  until  the  fine-wool 
breeds  were  introduced  into  that  country.  It  is 
most  frequent  in  young  rams. 

Symptoms:  The  first  noticeable  symptom  in  a 
ram  is  excessive  timidity;  later,  they  begin  to 
tremble,  and  have  a  very  staggery  gait.  In  the 
latter  stages  of  the  disease  the  animal  nibbles 
itself  on  the  back  and  loins,  and  in  several  weeks 
to  a  month,  the  victim  dies  of  exhaustion. 

Treatment:  The  most  important  thing  is  correct 
diagnosis.  Immediate  slaughter  is  advised,  and 
new  blood  used  in  mating.  As  "gid"  produces 
some  similar  symptoms,  a  careful  examination 
must  be  made  to  arrive  at  a  correct  conclusion. 

2.  Louping-ill. 

Mad-staggers  or  trembles. 

Another  obscure  disease  not  found  in  this  coun- 
try. 

Inflammation  of  the  spinal  cord  from  some  un- 
known cause  is  thought  to  be  the  exciting  cause. 
The  trembling,  twitching,  grinding  of  teeth  and 

130 


DISEASES  OF  OBSCURE  ORIGIN.  131 

general  paralysis  follow  in  rapid  succession,  lead- 
ing to  death. 

The  treatment  is  merely  preventive,  such  as  re- 
moval to  other  ranges;  the  introduction  of  new 
blood  in  the  form  of  unrelated  sires,  and  nourish- 
ing diet. 

3.   Big  Head. 

A  peculiar  condition  found  in  parts  of  the  West, 
especially  in  the  arid  desert  plains.  The  cause, 
cure  or  prevention  is  absolutely  unknown  at  the 
present  time. 

It  occurs  in  the  spring  when  the  sheep  are  being 
driven  from  their  winter  camps  to  the  forest 
ranges. 

The  first  symptom  is  a  refusal  to  eat,  and  the 
animal  becomes  restless  as  if  in  great  pain.  The 
head  begins  to  swell,  and  the  ears  become  purplish 
in  color.  The  clinical  picture  much  resembles  pur- 
pura  hemorrhagica  in  the  horse.  Death  usually 
takes  place  in  from  several  hours  to  a  day  or  two, 
although  some  animals  recover. 

If  the  ears  be  scarified,  a  serous  fluid,  of  a 
slightly  reddish  color,  oozes  forth;  the  animal 
seems  to  prefer  to  stand  in  water. 

The  rough  and  ready  treatment  of  the  sheep 
man  is  to  throw  the  affected  animal  into  a  puddle 
of  water  or  a  snow-drift,  if  the  latter  is  available. 
A  certain  number  get  well,  but  whether  this 
heroic  treatment  has  anything  to  do  with  the  re- 
covery is  unknown. 

4.     Pustular  Eruption  of  Lambs. 

See  section  on  Diseases  of  the  Lamb  (page  137). 


SECTION  XVIII. 

DISEASES  OF  THE  LAMB. 

1.   Congenital  Defects. 

Imperforate  anus,  unless  quickly  discovered,  is 
incurable.  If  it  be  diagnosed  early,  many  cases 
are  amenable  to  surgery. 

Hernia  or  rupture  is  rare  and  difficult  to  treat. 
Usually,  on  the  range,  the  lamb  is  so  stunted  that 
it  is  knocked  in  the  head. 

"Skin  drying"  is  caused  by  the  ewe  not  being 
able  to  lick  the  new-born  lamb.  Later,  its  mother 
will  not  own  it,  and,  if  not  attended  to  promptly, 
it  dies  from  hunger  and  cold. 

Umbilical  hemorrhage  or  bleeding  from  the 
navel  sometimes  becomes  serious.  Tincture  of 
iron  chlorid  applied  with  a  cotton  tampon  will 
usually  stop  the  flow  of  blood.  A  stimulant  should 
be  given,  such  as  a  little  brandy  or  aromatic 
spirits  of  ammonia, 

Suffocation  is  due  to  a  twist  of  the  umbilical 
cord  during  birth,  and  the  lamb  is*  born  dead. 

2.   Reviving  "Lifeless"  Lambs. 

When  an  apparently  lifeless  lamb  is  born,  it 
may  be  revived  in  many  cases  by  removing  all 
mucus  from  the  nostrils  and  mouth;  breathing 
into  the  nostrils,  and  working  on  the  chest  as  in 
reviving  a  drowning  person.  A  very  successful 

132 


DISEASES  OF  THE  LAMB.  133 

method,  as  practised  by  some  breeders,  is  to  im- 
merse the  lamb  in  a  bucket  of  water  that  is  about 
blood  warm,  pouring  in  a  little  hot  water,  to  in- 
crease the  heat.  Dry  thoroughly,  and  wrap  in  a 
blanket.  Later,  when  it  is  able  to  swallow,  ad- 
minister a  stimulant. 

3.  Retention  of  the  Meconium. 

When  the  new-born  lamb  does  not  pass  feces 
promptly,  it  begins  to  show  signs  of  colicky  pains, 
fever,  and  soon  succumbs  to  inflammation  of  the 
bowels. 

The  treatment  usually  successful,  if  not  delayed 
too  long,  is  an  enema  of  olive  oil.  A  teaspoonful  of 
castor  oil  may  also  be  given  on  the  tongue. 

4.    Navel-ill. 

Joint-ill;  blood  poisoning;  pyo-septicemia  of 
sucklings;  omphalophlebitis. 

The  Bacillus  bipolaris  septicus,  and  the  Bacillus 
coli  communis,  seem  responsible  for  the  presence 
of  this  disease.  They  gain  entrance  to  the  um- 
bilicus at  birth  or  when  the  cord  is  ruptured.  In 
some  cases,  it  is  thought  the  organisms  have 
entered  the  circulatory  system  before  birth.  It 
is  not  such  a  common  disease  in  lambs  as  in  the 
foal,  but  outbreaks  occur  from  time  to  time. 

Symptoms:  The  disease  is  very  easily  recog- 
nized, for  the  symptoms  are  very  pronounced  and 
characteristic.  The  lamb  becomes  "  dumpish " 
and  dull.  It  has  no  appetite,  and  the  temperature 
per  rectum  will  be  found  to  be  very  high,  often 


134  SHEEP  DISEASES. 

107  degrees  Fahrenheit.  The  stump  of  the  cord 
assumes  a  purplish  color,  and  Wharton's  jelly  be- 
comes tinged  with  pus.  Sometimes,  the  joints  be- 
come enlarged.  Later,  a  copious  diarrhea  sets  in, 
followed  by  an  intense  cachcxia  and  death. 

Treatment:  Where  a  number  of  lambs  are  af- 
fected, the  logical  thing  to  do,  of  course,  is  to 
remove  the  whole  band  to  another  place,  and,  if 
the  weather  be  suitable,  to  allow  the  ewes  to  lamb 
in  the  open. 

The  pus  may  be  squeezed  out  of  the  umbilicus 
of  the  affected  lamb  and  hydrogen  peroxid  in- 
jected, to  be  followed  by  tincture  of  iodin,  tur- 
pentine, chinosol,  pix-cresol,  lysol,  or  any  of  the 
coal  tar  preparations.  Carbolic  acid  is  not  as 
good  as  other  less  coagulating  antiseptics.  Oil  of 
eucalyptus  is  excellent. 

Internally,  the  lamb  may  be  given  twenty  grains 
of  the  triple  sulphocarbolates  mixed  in  a  raw  egg, 
three  times  a  day.  A  tablespoonful  castor  oil  is 
also  beneficial  to  correct  the  weakening  diarrhea. 
Stimulants,  antiferments,  intestinal  antiseptics 
and  tonics,  such  as  echinacea,  all  have  their  use. 

The  chances  of  successful  treatment  in  lambs 
that  show  the  typical  symptoms  are  not  very  good, 
and  a  grave  prognosis  should  be  given.  In  the 
treatment  of  valuable  animals,  bacterins  may  be 
used. 

5.  Non-Contagious  Diarrhea. 

This  is  usually  due  to  some  disturbance  of  the 
mother's  health,  or  to  the  decomposition  of  food 
in  the  stomach  of  the  new-born.  Chills,  cold, 


DISEASES  OF  THE  LAMH.  135 

dampness  and  milk  that  is  too  rich  are  also  com- 
mon predisposing  factors.  If  not  checked,  it  runs 
a  rapid,  fatal  course,  therefore  prompt  treatment 
is  essential. 

Treatment:  The  exciting  cause  should  be  de- 
termined, if  possible,  and  removed.  Administer 
to  the  ewe  a  tablespoonful  sodium  hyposulphite 
twice  daily.  Milk  out  the  udder  thoroughly.  Feed 
her  nourishing  food,  such  as  bran  and  oats. 

The  lamb  may  be  given  a  tablespoonful  of  castor 
oil,  to  which  is  added  a  raw  egg  and  twenty 
grains  of  triple  sulphocarbolates.  Salicylic  acid, 
five  grains,  in  condensed  milk,  is  highly  recom- 
mended. The  following  prescriptions  have  given 
good  results,  when  preceded  by  an  intestinal  anti- 
septic and  castor  oil: 
B 

Tr.  ginger 3i 

Creosote,  beechwood    mv 

Dioscorea,   Flext    3ii 

Fresh  milk 3iv 

M.  Sig.    Give  in  two  doses,  one  hour  apart. 

R 

Tr.  euphorbia   3ii 

Creosote  mv 

Spts.   camphor 3ii 

Elix.  lact  pepsin  q.  s.  ad %ii 

M.  Sig.     Give  in  two  doses  two  hours  apart. 

6.  White  Scours. 

Infectious  diarrhea;  dysenteria  neonatorium. 

This  disease  is  caused  by  the  Bacillus  coli  com- 
munis,  a  small,  thick,  rod-shaped,  motile,  non- 
spore-forming  organism,  not  staining  by  Gram's 
method,  but  with  the  aqueous  anilin  dyes.  Other 


136  SHEEP  DISEASES. 

germs  are  thought  to  cause  or  assist  in  the  infec- 
tion. 

Symptoms:  Newborn  lambs,  a  day  or  two  old, 
seem  to  be  the  usual  victims.  The  lamb  becomes 
dull;  loses  its  appetite,  and  the  feces  passed  at  the 
first  are  a  bright  yellow,  later,  a  foamy,  greyish- 
white.  The  wool  is  matted,  and  streaks  of  mucus 
are  found  on  it.  In  a  short  time,  the  lamb  be- 
comes very  weak;  the  eyes  grow  glassy,  and  the 
victim  drops  to  the  floor  and  dies  in  a  stupor. 

The  temperature  is  about  normal,  and,  as  death 
approaches,  drops  to  subnormal. 

Treatment:  This  is  not  a  common  disease  of  the 
range,  but  is  usually  found  in  low,  marshy  pas- 
tures, or  sheds  which  contain  the  infection.  The 
logical  treatment  is  to  isolate  all  the  apparently 
healthy  lambs,  and  give  the  sick  ones  intestinal 
antiseptics — a  drop  of  formalin,  in  a  little  milk, 
or  sulphocarbolates.  The  immediate  slaughter  of 
those  hopelessly  affected  is  advised.  Immuniza- 
tion with  bacterins  may  be  tried  where  the  stock 
is  valuable.  Prevention  is  the  best  method  to  pur- 
sue and  the  most  satisfactory  to  all  concerned. 

7.    Colic. 

"Stretches";  belly-ache. 

Considered  under  the  section  on  Diseases  of  the 
Digestive  System,  page  116. 

8.  Constipation. 

Costiveness. 

For  further  treatment  see  page  115. 


DISEASES  OF  THE  LAMB.  137 

9.   Pustular  Eruption  of  Lambs. 
This  is  a  rare  but  fatal  disease  of  lambs. 

Symptoms:  These  resemble  those  of  foot-and- 
mouth  disease  very  closely  and  experience  is  re- 
quired to  differentiate.  It  seems  to  be  contracted 
from  a  form  of  gangrenous  mammitis  in  the  ewe, 
and  is  very  infectious. 

Treatment:  Mainly  quarantine  and  segregation 
of  the  infected.  The  ulcers  on  the  lips  of  the 
lambs  and  the  udders  of  the  ewes  may  be  painted 
with  silver  nitrate. 

10.  Tetanus. 

This  is  very  prevalent  on  the  western  range,  fol- 
lowing castration,  docking  and  ear  marking.  It 
has  been  considered  on  page  92  in  the  section  on 
Acute  Infectious  Diseases. 

11.  Stomatitis. 

The  sporadic  form  is  known  as  "sore  mouth "  or 
thrush  among  sheep  men.  The  contagious  form, 
known  as  * '  necrotic  stomatitis. ' ' 

Symptoms:  This  condition  is  so  difficult  to  dis- 
tinguish from  foot-and-mouth  disease,  that  no  one 
should  take  any  chances ;  if  the  history  will  justify 
the  supposition  that  it  may  be  the  latter,  notify 
the  nearest  representative  of  the  Federal  Bureau 
of  Animal  Industry  by  wire. 

The  simple  cases  are  treated  with  mild  anti- 
septics, such  as  boric  acid,  or  weak  tincture  of 
iodin. 


SECTION  XIX. 

DISEASES  OF  THE  EWE. 

In  the  western  sheep  raising  sections  it  is  re- 
markable how  small  the  loss  is  among  breeding 
ewes.  This  is  largely  due  to  constant  culling  out 
the  ewes  that  prove  to  be  poor  milkers,  or  that 
have  difficult  parturition;  those  subject  to  mam- 
mary troubles,  and  those  that  lose  their  lambs. 
It  is  a  *  *  survival  of  the  fittest ' '  with  breeders  aid- 
ing nature  in  the  selection.  Coupled  with  this  is 
the  active  life  that  the  ewes  lead  during  preg- 
nancy. 

The  small  bands  of  sheep,  kept  under  artificial 
conditions,  are  the  commonest  victims  of  this  class 
of  disorders.  Lack  of  exercise,  with  rich,  con- 
centrated foods,  play  an  important  part  in  predis- 
posing to  this  as  to  other  diseases.  These  factors, 
combined  with  exposure  and  spoiled  forage,  are  by 
far  the  greatest  hindrances  to  success  with  preg- 
nant ewes.  The  man  who  cannot,  or  will  not, 
recognize  these  should  retire  from  the  sheep  busi- 
ness, or,  better  still,  never  embark  in  it. 

1.   Disorders  of  Gestation. 

Eliminating  spoiled  forage  or  bruises  that  cause 
abortion,  very  little  trouble  is  met  with  in  the 
pregnant  ewe. 

138 


DISEASES  OF  THE  EWE.  139 

2.  Abortion. 

Three  types  are  recognized,  the  first  one  being 
the  most  common : 

Sporadic  or  accidental,  due  to  some  injury  or 
the  ingestion  of  mouldy  food.  Upon  a  careful  ex- 
amination of  the  food  for  evidences  of  mould, 
ergot,  pitch  or  other  toxic  ingredients,  the  cause 
will  usually  be  found.  The  treatment  is  removal 
of  the  exciting  cause.  Large  doses  of  intestinal 
antiseptics  or  viburnum  prunifolium  are  indicated 
in  those  threatened  with  abortion,  together  with 
clean,  laxative  food  and  absolute  quiet. 

Enzootic  abortion,  due  to  some  infectious  dis- 
ease, such  as  blackleg,  scab,  pneumonia  or  rabies. 

Contagious  abortion.  This  is  so  rare  among 
sheep  as  to  merit  but  little  attention.  When  this 
does  occur,  quarantine  measures  constitute  the 
only  successful  means  of  prevention  known.  The 
symptoms  are  similar  to  those  of  contagious 
abortion  in  the  bovine. 

3.  Dystocia. 
Difficult  lambing;  difficult  parturition. 

Usually  seen  in  young  ewes  lambing  for  the  first 
time,  and  is  due  in  the  majority  of  cases  to  a  pair 
of  lambs  entering  the  pelvic  channel  at  the  same 
time.  They  become  tangled  up  in  such  a  way  that 
the  most  painstaking  skill  is  required  to  "un- 
ravel" them. 

First,  restrain  the  ewe  in  such  a  manner  that 
she  will  be  powerless  to  strain.  This  may  be 
accomplished  by  two  assistants  elevating  the  ani- 


140  SHEEP  DISEASES. 

mal  by  holding  the  hands  under  the  flanks.  Have 
the  animal  face  a  corner  so  she  cannot  creep 
away  on  her  front  feet. 

With  the  fingers  cleansed  and  disinfected,  form 
them  into  a  cone.  For  a  lubricant  as  well  as  a 
deodorant,  one  part  of  oil  of  eucalyptus  in  sixteen 
parts  of  raw  linseed  oil  is  very  good.  If  the 
lambs  are  dead,  injecting  a  lysol  solution  into  the 
vaginal  cavity  will  mask  the  odor.  Repel  the 
lambs,  and  lubricate  the  vaginal  canal  thor- 
oughly. Now  rotate  one  lamb  until  as  near  a  nor- 
mal presentation  as  possible  can  be  obtained.  A 
small  piece  of  twine  or  rope  can  be  attached  to 
the  feet,  and  with  traction  exerted  slowly  and 
carefully,  the  lamb  may  be  pulled  out. 

When  the  lambs  are  taken  away,  the  uterus  may 
be  flushed  with  a  good  antiseptic  solution,  and 
the  ewe  let  down.  If  she  is  very  weak,  a  stim- 
ulant should  be  given,  and  a  warm  blanket  thrown 
over  her.  Many  a  valuable  ewe  can  thus  be  saved. 
Unfortunately  the  veterinarian's  fee  for  services 
in  cases  like  this  is  ordinarily  more  than  the  ani- 
mal is  worth.  This  low  value  of  the  ewe  is  the 
greatest  hindrance  to  the  handling  of  parturient 
cases  in  sheep.  Under  certain  circumstances  it 
might  be  well  for  veterinarians  to  make  some  spe- 
cial arrangements,  as  to  charges  for  this  work, 
with  the  owners  of  bands  where  a  large  number 
of  ewes  are  to  lamb  at  about  the  same  time. 

4.    Decomposition  of  the  Fetus. 
In  many  cases  a  veterinarian  is  called  upon  to 
pass  judgment  as  to  whether  or  not  a  ewe  is  preg- 


DISEASES  OF  THE  EWE.  141 

nant,  and,  if  so,  if  the  fetus  is  alive  or  dead.  In 
some  instances,  this  is  a  very  puzzling  question. 

In  situations  where  the  soil  is  highly  impreg- 
nated with  limestone  or  other  mineral  salts,  one 
should  always  guard  against  the  mistake  of  look- 
ing for  a  vaginal  or  fetid  discharge  in  case  of  a 
dead  fetus.  Mummifications  are  often  present 
under  such  conditions,  with  not  a  single  external 
symptom  visible. 

When  a  ewe  has  a  fetus  die  within  her,  and 
barely  pulls  through  the  ordeal  with  her  life,  it  is 
a  good  plan  to  advise  fattening  for  the  market. 
Adhesions  often  prevent  future  normal  parturi- 
tion. 

In  cases  of  putrid  fetuses  in  the  uterus,  flushing 
out  with  strong  antiseptics  and  deodorants,  and 
a  small  capsule  containing  twenty  grains  of  potas- 
sium permanganate  and  several  drams  of  boric 
acid  may  be  introduced  into  the  uterus  with  ad- 
vantage. 

The  udder  should  be  attended  to,  for  a  violent 
mammitis,  commonly  known  as  "blue  bag,"  may 
take  place.  Milk  out  the  udder  and  apply  bella- 
donna ointment. 

5.    Displacement  of  the  Uterus. 

The  common  term  for  this  ailment  is  "down- 
fall of  the  lamb-bed, "  which  includes  all  the  ail- 
ments of  the  womb  from  the  layman's  standpoint. 

Three  serious  conditions  may  affect  the  uterus: 

(a)  Hernia  or  rupture  of  the  prepubian  tendon, 

(b)  Torsion  or  twist  of  the  uterus  when  preg- 
nant.   Fairly  common  in  the  ewe. 


142  SHEEP  DISEASES. 

(c)  Deviation  of  the  uterus  or  complete  ever- 
sion. 

Very  little  can  be  done  to  alleviate  these  condi- 
tions. As  a  rule,  they  are  too  far  advanced  to  be 
treated  when  expert  assistance  is  called. 

6.    Eclampsia. 

Milk  disease;  milk  sickness. 

Under  this  heading  is  considered  parturient 
paresis,  corresponding  to  the  condition  of  the 
same  name  in  the  cow — the  well  known  "milk 
fever. ' ' 

Symptoms:  After  a  normal  parturition,  and 
suckling  the  lamb,  the  latter  dies  or  is  taken  away. 
Within  a  day  or  two  the  first  symptoms  appear. 
There  is  loss  of  appetite  and  rumination.  The 
ewe  ceases  to  mourn  the  loss  of  her  young,  and 
the  eyes  grow  glassy.  Coma  takes  place,  and  the 
characteristic  symptoms  of  milk  fever  in  the  cow 
are  present. 

Treatment:  This  must  be  given  promptly,  and 
no  medicine  must  be  administered  by  the  mouth. 
One  dram  of  chloral  hydrate  well  dissolved  in 
lukewarm  water  may  be  given  as  a  rectal  injec- 
tion, or  one-eighth  to  one-fourth  grain  morphin 
given  hypodermically.  Atropin,  in  one-tenth 
grain  doses,  may  be  tried.  Inflating  the  udder,  if 
at  all  possible,  should  be  tried. 

7.     Metritis. 

Inflammation  of  the  womb  or  uterus. 
When  this  condition  occurs,  uterine  injections 
of  antiseptics,  stimulants  and  blood  tonics  should 


DISEASES  OF  THE  EWE.  143 

be  given.  There  is  very  little  satisfaction  in  treat- 
ing this  condition,  since,  due  to  previous  neglect, 
the  case  is  usually  hopeless  at  the  time  the  vet- 
erinarian first  sees  it. 

8.     Mammitis. 

Inflammation  of  the  udder;  blue  bay;  caked 
ban;  mastitis. 

A  rather  common  ailment  in  the  spring  among 
a  band  of  ewes. 

The  common  treatment  is  to  slash  the  udder 
open  with  a  knife,  and,  if  the  poor  ewe  lives 
through  this,  to  fatten  her  for  the  market.  By 
humane  methods  and  a  little  missionary  work, 
much  suffering  among  ewes  may  be  averted  by 
the  veterinarian. 

Dissolve  a  half-pound  Epsom  salt  in  a  quart  of 
hot  water,  add  an  ounce  fluid  extract  phytolacca 
to  this  solution;  place  the  animal  on  her  back,  and 
with  flannel  or  cotton,  dipped  in  the  solution,  apply 
to  the  udder.  In  a  few  minutes  the  change  will 
be  remarkable.  Bathing  the  udder  with  the  warm 
solution  seems  to  relieve  the  intense  inflammation. 
If  the  lamb  is  alive,  allow  it  to  suckle,  as  the  bunt- 
ing seems  to  massage  the  udder  and  aid  in  its 
restoration  to  normal.  A  tablespoonful  of  the 
phytolacca  may  be  administered  twice  daily  for 
several  days  with  benefit.  If  the  lamb  is  dead  and 
the  ewe  is  to  be  dried  up,  belladonna  ointment  or 
camphor  and  lard  should  be  applied. 

9.    Abnormalities  of  the  Milk. 

This  is  not  a  common  condition  among  ewes.  It 
is  not  so  important  as  with  the  dairy  cow.  Still, 


144  SHEEP  DISEASES. 

one  is  often  asked  about  these  questions,  and  the 
following  is  given  for  information: 

Agalactia  or  absence  of  milk.  This  is  a  symp- 
tom, and  one  of  the  first  symptoms  of  disease  in 
a  milking  ewe.  A  form  of  infectious  agalactia  has 
been  observed  among  ewes  and  goats.  It  is  of 
unknown  origin. 

Watery  milk.  This  is  due  to  an  absence  of  fats 
and  casein;  the  milk  is  of  a  bluish  color.  By 
changing  the  food  and  administering  tonics,  the 
condition  may  be  improved. 

Fatty  milk.  This  is  found  among  ewes  that 
have  been  fed  on  rich,  concentrated  foods,  such 
as  oil  cake,  and  in  ewes  suffering  from  lack  of 
exercise.  Diarrhea  ensues  among  the  lambs.  The 
treatment  is  less  food,  more  exercise  and  an  abun- 
dant supply  of  water. 

Curdling  milk.  A  symptom  of  indigestion, 
mammitis,  poisoning,  overheating,  and  of  ad- 
vanced pregnancy.  To  alleviate  this  condition,  a 
tablespoonful  of  sodium  hyposulphite  may  be 
given  once  daily. 

Fermenting  milk.  Cause  and  treatment  same 
as  above. 

Putrescent  milk.  Caused  by  an  invasion  of  bac- 
teria in  the  udder.  Treatment  is  the  same  as  for 
curdling  milk,  or  fattening  for  slaughter. 

Slimy,  stringy  and  soapy  milk.  Caused  by  fungi 
and  bacilli.  Rather  rare.  Treatment  similar  to 
that  for  curdling  milk. 

Blue  milk,  due  to  the  Bacillus  cyanogenus. 

Red  milk,  caused  by  the  Bacillus  prodigiosus. 

Yellow  milk,  caused  by  the  Bacillus  synxanthum. 


DISEASES  OF  THE  EWE.  145 

Foreign  matter,  such  as  dirt;  abnormal  taste, 
arising  from  certain  foods,  as  carrots;  drugs,  as 
turpentine  and  asafetida;  germs,  such  as  are  found 
in  gangrenous  mammitis,  and  blood,  may  all  exist 
in  milk. 

10.    Sterility. 

A  long  scientific  treatise  on  sterility  in  the  ewe 
would  prove  not  only  impractical  but  tiresome. 
The  common  and  best  method  is  to  fatten  all  ewes 
that  prove  to  be  non-breeders.  Due  to  the  small 
vaginal  canal  of  ewes,  manual  examinations  are 
difficult  to  make,  and  even  when  made  often  noth- 
ing abnormal  can  be  noted  in  non-breeders. 


SECTION  XX. 

DISEASES  OF  RAMS  AND 
WETHERS. 

1.  Gravel. 

Urinary  calculi  cause  serious  disturbances  in 
rams  and  wethers,  due  to  the  very  small  caliber 
of  the  male  urethra,  which  is  only  one-sixteenth 
of  an  inch  in  diameter.  It  has  been  noticed  that 
the  extensive  feeding  of  sugar  beets  and  mangels 
will  cause  gravel,  and  many  animals  have  been 
lost  from  this  disorder. 

Symptoms:  The  manifestations  of  this  ailment 
are  very  pronounced,  though  rather  hard  to  dif- 
ferentiate at  the  onset.  There  is  sudden  loss  of 
appetite;  colicky  symptoms,  with  an  urinous  odor 
on  the  breath.  Unless  slaughtered,  the  animal 
soon  dies. 

Treatment:  Prevention  is  chiefly  to  be  sought. 
Mixing  a  little  sodium  bicarbonate  with  the  food 
several  times  a  week  is  beneficial.  Withhold  sugar 
beets  or  mangels  from  male  sheep. 

2.  Hernia. 

Rupture  in  sheep  usually  is  not  diagnosed  until 
after  death.  It  is  a  rather  rare  but  fatal  condition. 
Only  in  valuable  animals  is  an  operation  advis- 
able. 

146 


DISEASES  OF  RAMS  AND  WETHERS.      147 

3.    Bloody  Urine. 

This  condition  is  merely  a  symptom  of  some  pri- 
mary ailment,  such  as  arise  from  injuries,  gravel, 
poisons,  roots  or  mouldy  silage. 

Treatment:  Symptomatic  treatment  is  about 
all  that  can  be  given.  It  must  be  aimed  at  the 
causative  factor.  Whole  flaxseed  jelly  in  teaspoon- 
ful  doses  given  in  bran  and  oats  is  soothing  to 
the  urinary  organs. 

4.    Impotence. 

Sterility  in  the  ram  usually  means  fattening  for 
market,  as  it  is  not  profitable  to  experiment  with 
a  sterile  ram.  Sometimes  finding  this  out  is  rather 
expensive,  and  it  is  a  good  plan  to  "try"  several 
ewes  in  heat  early  in  the  season  before  turning 
the  ram  into  the  flock. 

It  is  commonly  due  to  lack  of  exercise.  Range 
bucks  for  this  reason  suffer  but  little  from  this 
condition.  Medicinal  treatment,  if  attempted  in 
a  valuable  animal,  must  be  subordinated  to  exer- 
cise to  achieve  any  results.  Damiana  or  yohimbin 
in  small,  repeated  doses,  together  with  nourishing, 
but  not  too  concentrated  food,  may  be  beneficial. 


SECTION  XXI. 

SURGICAL  DISEASES. 

Surgery  in  the  sheep  has  been  of  the  "rough 
and  ready"  sort,  to  which  the  patient  was  as 
likely  to  succumb  as  to  the  original  disease  or  ail- 
ment. Another  thing,  the  value  of  the  animal, 
except  in  the  case  of  pure-bred  animals,  has  never 
been  enough  to  justify  expert  assistance. 

The  sheep,  like  the  ox,  is  very  resistant  to  pyo- 
genic  infection,  and  if  in  good  condition  soon  re- 
covers from  surgical  interference  when  this  is 
done  in  a  skillful  manner. 

1.    Diseased  Teeth. 

Often  supernumerary  teeth  are  found  that  inter- 
fere with  rumination  and  cause  the  adjacent 
teeth  to  decay.  Extraction  is  indicated,  and  can 
be  performed  with  a  small  pair  of  "wolf  tooth" 
forceps. 

2.    Concussion  of  the  Brain. 

This  is  comparatively  rare,  taking  into  consid- 
eration the  chief  method  of  defense  is  butting. 
On  the  western  range,  many  cases  are  seen  among 
lambs  in  the  mountainous  district,  caused  by  rocks 
rolling  down  the  mountainside  and  hitting  them 
on  the  head. 

Symptoms:  More  or  less  vague,  unless  one 
knows  the  history  of  the  case.  The  animal  seems 

148 


SURGICAL  DISEASES.  149 

in  a  stupor,  while  the  respirations  are  small  and 
rapid.  Later,  the  animal  becomes  weak,  assumes 
a  staggery  gait,  and  paleness  of  the  visible  mucous 
membranes  is  noticeable. 

Treatment:  Medical  interference  in  these  cases 
is  contraindicated,  for  a  drench  will  enter  the 
lungs.  Dashing  cold  water  on  the  head,  and  allow- 
ing the  animal  perfect  quiet  is  about  as  good  as 
any  treatment  known. 

3.    Abscesses. 

Abscesses  are  rare  in  sheep,  but  sometimes  may 
follow  shearing.  Curetting  and  irrigating  several 
times  with  a  mild  astringent  antiseptic,  such  as 
one  dram  potassium  permanganate  and  two  drams 
powdered  alum  to  four  ounces  of  water,  is  a  bene- 
ficial treatment. 

4.  Injuries. 

These  consist  mostly  of  bruises  caused  by  ship- 
ping or  crowding,  or  by  predatory  animals. 

Often  the  animal  is  injured  far  more  seriously 
than  external  indications  show,  and  with  the  best 
treatment  dies  from  some  internal  disturbance. 

Dressing  the  injury  with  tincture  of  iodin  and 
applying  a  dry  dressing,  together  with  a  stimu- 
lant, is  about  all  that  can  be  done. 

5.  Suturing. 

Very  rarely  performed  in  sheep,  although  in  lac- 
erated wounds  such  as  animal  bites,  it  may  be 
satisfactorily  done.  With  the  muscles  and  skin 
brought  into  apposition  and  held  there  healing 
will  take  place  much  earlier  than  otherwise. 


150  SHEEP  DISEASES. 

6.    Rumenotomy. 

Removal  of  the  contents  of  the  rumen  or  pauuch. 

This  is  rarely  performed  although  it  has  saved 
the  lives  of  many  bloated  sheep. 

Textbooks  give  elaborate  directions  for  perform- 
ing this  operation,  but  in  actual  practice  if  one 
were  to  follow  them  out,  the  majority  of  sheep 
would  be  dead  before  the  contents  of  the  paunch 
were  removed. 

If  there  is  time,  an  area  the  size  of  a  man 's  hand 
on  the  left  flank  should  be  clipped,  and  tincture 
of  iodin  applied.  An  incision,  running  parallel 
with  the  last  rib,  and  several  inches  long  is  then 
made.  The  contents  are  removed  as  rapidly  as 
possible,  the  walls  of  the  paunch  sutured,  and  the 
skin  brought  into  apposition  with  several  inter- 
rupted sutures.  Tar  is  smeared  over  the  wound, 
and  in  several  days  the  skin  sutures  removed. 

Sheepmen  not  infrequently  perform  this  oper- 
ation with  a,  pen  knife  and  a  piece  of  string  for 
suturing  material,  and  even  under  these  conditions 
the  operation  often  proves  successful. 

7.     Puncture  of  the  Bladder. 

Frequently  bucks  and  wethers  are  troubled  by 
urinary  calculi,  which  sooner  or  later  close  up  the 
urethra  and  prevent  the  passage  of  urine.  Surgi- 
cal textbooks  give  elaborate  procedures  in  these 
cases,  but  after  one  has  tried  it  several  times  on 
sheep  he  will  desist.  So  many  animals  "die  get- 
ting well"  that  it  does  not  give  the  operator  any 
credit. 


SURGICAL  DISEASES.  151 

8.    Fractures  and  Dislocations. 

It  is  remarkable  how  few  broken  limbs  or  even 
dislocated  joints  occur  among  sheep.  Grazing  on 
precipitous  cliffs  that  defy  any  human  being  to 
climb,  jumping  across  narrow  ravines,  or  even 
running  headlong  down  a  steep  bluff,  few  acci- 
dents occur,  and  these  are  usually  among  lambs. 

The  treatment  of  fractures  in  lambs  is  simple. 
First,  dust  boric  acid  or  talcum  powder  over  the 
affected  part.  Apply  an  inch  layer  of  cotton,  over 
which  lay  half  a  dozen  wire  or  wooden  splints 
after  adjusting  the  ends  of  the  bones.  Bind  with 
gauze  bandage,  not  too  tight,  allowing  for  future 
swelling.  The  lamb  can  be  carried  along  in  the 
camp-tender's  wagon,  for  several  days,  and  it  is 
amazing  how  soon  it  recovers  the  use  of  the  limb, 

Dislocations,  sprains,  bruises  and  twisted  joints 
are  rather  difficult  to  treat,  rest  being  the  most 
important  factor.  Applying  saturated  solutions 
of  magnesium  sulphate,  and  later,  a  solution  com- 
posed of  two  drams  fluid  extract  belladonna  and 
one  dram  lead  acetate  in  half  pint  of  water,  will 
often  prove  beneficial.  Sometimes  iodin  compound 
ointment  is  as  good  as  anything.  Blistering  med- 
icaments are  not  indicated. 

9.  Amputation  of  the  Claws. 
This  is  often  necessary  in  foot  rot,  and  consists 
in  cutting  away  the  diseased  part  with  a  sharp 
knife.  Tincture  of  iron,  creolin,  balsam  of  Peru 
or  any  good  antiseptic  can  be  smeared  over  the 
part.  The  balsam  of  Peru  gives  splendid  results, 
but  is  rather  expensive  for  sheep. 


152  SHEEP  DISEASES. 

10.    Panaritium. 

Canker  of  the  foot. 

Sometimes  brought  on  by  bruises  and  the  con- 
sequent infection  by  the  bacillus  necrosis.  Other 
times  by  excessive  damp  weather  and  ranging  in 
low,  marshy  pastures. 

The  treatment  is  largely  hygienic;  removal 
from  the  damp  or  infected  quarters,  and  driving 
through  a  trough  containing  several  inches  of  blue 
vitriol  solution — one  pound  to  five  gallons  of 
water,  or  even  stronger.  In  very  severe  cases, 
one  dram  of  formalin  to  two  ounces  of  glycerin, 
or  a  paste  composed  of  equal  parts  of  flour  and 
chlorid  of  zinc,  may  be  applied  with  much  benefit. 


SECTION  XXII. 

PARASITIC  DISEASES. 

Experienced  men  will  corroborate  the  state- 
ment that  more  sheep  are  lost  from  invasions 
of  parasites  than  from  all  other  causes  com- 
bined, with  the  possible  exception  of  digestive 
disorders.  Before  the  days  when  scab  was  under 
control,  parasites  were,  even  more  than  at  pres- 
ent, the  scourge  of  the  sheep  business. 

Sheep  seem  to  have  very  little  power  to  re- 
sist these  pests,  and  when  once  infected,  not  only 
succumb  but  spread  infection  among  others.  In 
many  instances,  the  vitality  is  so  lessened  by 
parasitic  invasion,  that  although  death  does  not 
result,  little  gain  is  made  in  weight  or  wool  be- 
cause of  the  devitalizing  effect  of  the  parasitic 
infestation.  The  animal  is  in  a  fit  condition  to  be 
carried  away  by  trivial  diseases,  that  in  perfect 
health  would  be  resisted  with  little  trouble. 

It  is  of  the  greatest  importance  in  this  class 
of  diseases  to  quickly  discover  the  inciting  cause. 
This  is  most  vital;  treatment  of  the  infected  in- 
dividual or  individuals  being  secondary.  Stock- 
men do  not  care  for  finely  spun  theories  or  for 
prolonged  scientific  explanation  of  the  probable 
cause  of  an  epizootic  among  their  flocks ;  they  do 
not  appreciate  the  beauties  of  science,  and  care 
little  for  the  life-history  of  the  pest.  What  they 
most  earnestly  desire  and  are  willing  to  pay 

153 


154  SHEEP  DISEASES. 

for,  is  final  results.  The  time  to  explain  how 
to  prevent  a  recurrence  of  the  trouble  is  after 
the  epizootic  has  been  brought  under  control  or 
eradicated. 

In  the  sheep  raising  section  on  the  western 
range  only  five  parasites  are  common;  two  ex- 
ternal, the  common  scab  mite  and  the  sheep  tick; 
three  internal,  the  stomach  worm,  the  liver-fluke 
and  the  "gid"  or  "turnsick." 

A.    EXTERNAL  PARASITES. 
1.     Sheep  Scab. 

Common  scab;  mange;  itch;  scurf;  St.  An- 
thony's fire;  wildfire;  erysipelas;  dry  scab;  dry 
rot,  and  ringworm. 

Sheep  scab  is  caused  by  the  Psoroptes  communis 
ovis;  order  Acarina;  class  Arachnida. 

The  scab  mite  is  a  nearly  round,  rather  light 
colored  parasite,  the  female  measuring  about 
one-fortieth  of  an  inch  in  length,  and  the  male 
nearly  one-fiftieth.  By  placing  the  mites  on  a 
sheet  of  black  carbon  paper  and  holding  this 
in  the  sunlight,  they  can  be  seen  easily. 

After  mating,  the  female  deposits  about  a 
dozen  eggs  at  the  base  of  the  wool  fibers.  These 
eggs  hatch  in  three  or  four  days;  in  a  week  the 
young  will  have  matured,  and  in  three  or  four 
days  more  they  will  have  mated  and  the  female 
laid  her  eggs.  Grerlach  estimates  that  the  en- 
tire life  cycle  of  the  psoroptes  mite  is  completed 
within  fifteen  days.  Using  these  figures  as  a 
basis  for  calculation,  it  has  been  estimated  that 


PARASITIC  DISEASES. 


155 


the  progeny  of  a  single  pair  of  mites  may  at- 
tain to  the  astounding  number  150,000,000  in 
about  four  months ! 

Symptoms:    To  the  experienced,  the  symptoms 
of  scab  are  very  plain.     When  a  sheep  becomes 


SIIEKP-SCAB  MITE  (Psoroptcs  ovis).     Male. 
Dorsal   view    greatly   enlarged. 

(After  Salmon  nnd  Stiles,  1S9S.) 

infested  with  one  or  more  mites,  small  inflamed 
zones  occur  where  the  mite  pierces  the  skin  to 
obtain  food.  This  is  followed  by  itching  and  the 
formation  of  papules,  and,  as  the  mites  multiply 
in  numbers,  the  area  of  inflammation  rapidly 


156  SHEEP  DISEASES. 

increases.  Serum  oozes  from  the  papules,  and  it 
is  in  this  stage  that  the  disease  is  first  noticed. 
When  bedded  down,  the  infected  animal  will  get 


SHEEP-SCAB  MITE  (Psoroptes  ovis).    Female. 
Dorsal  view,  greatly  enlarged. 

(After  Salmon  and  Stiles,  1898.) 

up  and  bite  or  rub  its  body  against  another  or 
some  tree  or  post. 

The  wool  begins  to  get  l '  taggy, ' '  and  soon  com- 
mences to  fall  out.  Crusts  form  on  the  skin  from 
the  dried  exudate.  It  is  under  the  crusts  that 
the  mites  live. 


PARASITIC  DISEASES.  157 

Depending  on  the  severity  of  the  infection,  the 
disease  progresses  until  the  animal  never  seems 
to  be  at  rest.  It  becomes  thin;  the  wool  falls 
out  in  patches  usually  along  the  flanks  and  back; 
larger  and  larger  areas  of  the  skin  become  in- 
flamed and  covered  with  crusts ;  others  become  in- 
fected, and  soon  the  whole  band  is  one  rubbing, 
biting,  scratching  mass  of  distracted  sheep. 

Differential  diagnosis:  Practically  the  only 
way  to  become  familiar  with  the  disease  is  to 
see  a  genuine  case.  After  this,  the  rest  is  com- 
paratively easy. 

Wool  that  has  fallen  out  due  to  "blue  bag"  in 
ewes,  or  to  exposures,  leaves  a  soft,  normal  skin. 
There  is  nothing  but  a  ' '  bald  spot ' '  with  no  pim- 
ples, vesicles,  papules  or  inflammatory  zones. 

Eczema  of  the  various  types  merely  shows  a 
reddening  of  the  skin  without  the  thickening  that 
accompanies  ' '  scab. ' ' 

In  sheep  work  it  is  always  safe  to  think  of  scab 
first,  in  suspicious  cases,  and  to  act  accordingly. 
This  will  protect  the  veterinarian  and  the  owner, 
even  if  it  does  put  the  latter  to  a  little  incon- 
venience. 

Treatment:  As  is  well  known,  dipping  and 
quarantine  have  nearly  eradicated  this  disease 
from  our  country.  The  subject  of  quarantines 
has  been  taken  up  in  the  section  on  Federal  and 
State  regulations. 

Dipping  with  "lime-and-sulphur"  has  been  the 
mainstay  on  the  western  range,  the  official  dip 
being  prepared  as  follows : 


158 


SHEEP  DISEASES. 


Unslaked  lime 8  pounds 

Flowers  of  sulphur 24  pounds 

Water 100  gallons 

The  lime  should  be  placed  in  a  water-tight  box 
or  large  bucket,  and  sufficient  water  added  to 
make  a  thin  paste.  Sift  the  sulphur  in  slowly, 
mixing  lime,  until  the  lime  and  sulphur  is  about 
the  consistency  of  mortar.  A  kettle  with  30  gal- 


First  stage  of  scab  on  shoulder,  showing  natural  position  of 
wool  disturbed  by  biting  and  scratching. 

U.  S.  r>ej>t.  Atu-.  Hul.713. 

Ions  of  water  now  receives  this  paste,  and  it 
is  boiled  for  two  hours.  Water  should  be  added 
to  keep  the  total  quantity  up  to  thirty  gallons. 
It  should  be  stirred  well  with  a  mortar  hoe,  while 
boiling,  to  keep  the  paste  from  caking  on  the 
bottom  of  the  kettle.  After  boiling  for  two  hours, 
this  "concentrate"  should  be  placed  in  a  barrel 


PARASITIC  DISEASES. 


159 


to  settle,  with  a  bung-hole  four  or  five  inches 
from  the  bottom.  If  the  sediment  be  mixed  up  in 
the  dip  it  will  injure  the  wool,  or  may  harm  the 
eyes  of  the  sheep. 

When  ready  to  dip,  draw  off  this  clear  liquid 
from  the  settling  barrel  into  the  dipping  vat, 
and  add  70  gallons  of  water,  warmed  so  that  the 


LKGKXD — Characteristic  scab  lesion  in  early  stages  of  disease. 

U.  S.  Dopt.  Agr.  Hul.  713. 

whole  mixture  is  about  100  to  10o  degrees  Fah- 
renheit, or  in  warm  climates,  several  degrees 
higher. 

The  size  of  the  dipping  vat  should  depend  upon 
the  number  of  sheep  to  be  dipped  and  as  minute 
directions  for  the  whole  operation  are  given  in 
government  regulations,  this  phase  of  the  subject 
need  not  be  taken  up  in  detail  here. 

In  dipping  sheep  each  one  is  ducked  "head 
under"  once,  and  kept  in  the  solution  for  at 
least  two  minutes. 


160 


SHEEP  DISEASES. 


In  cases  where  the  scabs  are  extensive,  "hand- 
dressing"  should  be  done  to  soften  the  crusts. 

There  are  a  thousand  and  one  methods  of 
making  up  the  dip  and  procedures  in  dipping.  In 
actual  practice  one  soon  learns  to  make  the  best 
of  facilities  at  hand,  and  forget  the  specific  in- 


LEGEND — Scabby  buck  with  entire  hindquarters  and  flank  af- 
fected.   The  discolored  area  is  due  to  dip 
stain  from  hand  dressing. 

U.  S.  Dept.  Agr.  Bui.  713. 

structions  laid  down  by  some  person  who  has  pos- 
sibly never  been  within  a  thousand  miles  of  a 
real  sheep  camp.  The  man  who  is  ingenious 
along  these  lines,  and  who  can  "get  along"  with 
the  sheep  men,  is  one  of  the  most  valuable  assets 
that  the  Federal  or  state  governments  can  pos- 
sess. Unfortunately,  merit  has  been  little  recog- 


PARASITIC  DISEASES.  161 

nized  by  either,  and  officials  who  have  done  noth- 
ing but  antagonize  the  rank  and  file  of  sheep 
men  are  kept  in  localities  year  after  year  where 
their  usefulness  is  greatly  impaired  if  not  actually 
lost.  This  is  one  reason  why  so  much  enmity  exists 
upon  the  subject  of  "scab. " 

When  ticks  are  present  with  the  scab  mites, 
the  tobacco  or  nicotin  dips  are  probably  pref- 
erable, for  they  exterminate  ticks  better  than 
lime-and-sulphur.  These  are  made  up  in  several 
different  formulae,  two  of  which  are  given : 

Tobacco    30  pounds 

Sulphur 7  pounds 

Concentrated  lye  3  pounds 

Water   100  gallons 

Steep  the  tobacco  in  warm  water  for  about  a 
day,  pour  off  the  solution,  and  add  the  sulphur, 
lye  and  water  sufficient  to  make  up  100  gallons. 
Stir  while  using,  taking  the  same  precautions 
to  keep  the  dip  warm  as  with  the  common  lime- 
and-sulphur  dip. 

The  nicotin  dip  is  made  up  as  follows: 

Nicotin Four-tenths  of  a  pound 

Flowers  of  sulphur 16  pounds 

Water   96  gallons 

Mix  the  nicotin  and  sulphur  together  in  a  quan- 
tity of  warm  water,  and  add  to  the  rest  of  the 
water  in  the  dipping  vat.  Keep  a  close  watch 
on  the  evaporation,  as  it  may  become  too  strong. 

The  nicotin  solution  found  on  the  market  con- 
tains a  statement  on  the  package  of  the  amount 
of  absolute  nicotin,  and  the  correct  amount  to 
make  up  the  above  can  easily  be  figured  out  from 
this  basis. 


162 


SHEEP  DISEASES. 


In  making  up  dips  one  should  take  into  con- 
sideration the  severity  of  the  infection;  the  state 
of  weather;  the  kind  of  sheep;  the  hardness  of 
crusts,  and  the  facilities  for  dipping  and  heat- 
ing the  water.  This  requires  judgment  and  ex- 
perience. 

The  sediment  from  the  dipping  vats  is  usually 
diluted  and  thrown  around 
the  corrals  or  pens  as  a 
disinfectant. 

Many  other  dips  are 
used  with  good  success. 
Coal  tars,  arsenicals,  car- 
bolic acid,  potassium  sul- 
phid  and  patent  dips  are 
all  on  the  market.  Since 
the  war,  the  prices  of 
certain  chemicals 
have  so  risen  that  the 
old  lime-and-sulphur  has 
gained  somewhat  in 
popularity. 

To  eradicate  scab  from  a  band  of  sheep,  every 
member  of  the  flock  should  be  dipped  two  or 
three  times;  kept  under  close  supervision,  and 
at  the  least  symptoms  of  its  recurrence,  re- 
dipped. 

The  vitality  of  the  mite  egg  or  the  mite  itself 
is  exceedingly  great,  although  the  exact  length 
of  life  is  unknown.  However,  it  is  not  considered 
good  policy  to  drive  sheep  into  a  corral  or  pen 
that  has  been  infested  within  a  year. 


SHEEP  TICK  (Melophagus 
ovinus).  Male.  Dorsal 
view,  enlarged. 

(From  Curtice,  1690.) 


PARASITIC  DISEASES. 


163 


2.    Head  Scab. 

Sarcoptes  scabei  ovis. 

This  is  the  smallest  of  the  three  varieties  of 
scab  mites.  It  usually  burrows  under  the  skin 
around  the  nostrils  first,  causing  small  light  pim- 
ples. The  sheep  scratches  its  nose  as  though  in- 
fected with  the  "grub." 

This  is  not  a  common  disease,  and  "hand 
dressing"  with  any  good  dip  will 
usually  clear  up  the  trouble. 

3.    Foot  Scab. 
Symbiotes  scabei  ovis. 

These   are   rather  large   mites, 
and  cause  irritation  on  the  feet  and 
legs.      The   symptoms   are   biting 
SHEEP    LOUSE     and    stamping,    with    crust  -  like 

(Trichodectes      formations. 

s  p  h  a,  e  T  o-  -r,,  ,     -.      .  -• 

cephaius.).         This  malady  is  a  rare  one,  and 
Adult   female,     is  treated  by  applying  a  lather  of 

enlarged.  J      T1    J  ./  ,, 

(mV G' Neumann'     soap-suds  or  olive  oil  to  loosen  the 
crusts,  and  then  scrubbing  with  a 
ten  per  cent,  solution  of  creolin. 

In  all  forms  of  scab,  of  course,  the  pens  or 
corrals  must  be  disinfected,  if  the  work  be  done 
during  the  winter  season. 

4.    Sheep  Ticks. 

Melopliagus  ovinus. 

This  is  a  six-legged,  brownish-colored,  mot- 
tled parasite,  resembling  a  wingless  fly.  It  spends 
its  entire  life  on  the  sheep,  the  female  laying 


164 


SHEEP  DISEASES. 


about  fifteen  eggs,  which  hatch  in  about  three 
weeks,  the  exact  period  depending  somewhat  on 
weather  conditions. 

While  not  so  destructive  as  the  scab  mite,  the 
tick  causes  a  great  deal  of  damage  by  blood  suck- 
ing, in  lambs,  often  stunting  the  growth. 

It  is  not  an  essentially  infectious  parasite,  as 
it  prefers  to  stay  close  to  its  old  home. 

Swingle  of  Wyoming 
found  a  sheep  can  be 
kept  free  of  ticks  by 
keeping  a  three-foot 
partition  between  it  and 
infected  animals. 

Coal   tar   or  tobacco 
dips   are   recommended 
to   eradicate   this   pest, 
and  two  dippings,  two 
aPart>  wil1  usually 


SHEEP  FOOT  LOUSE  (Haemato- 

pinus  pedaiis).    Adult  fe-     clear  up  the  trouble. 

male  and  egg,  enlarged.  _,.      ., 

(From  osbom,  1896.)  It  is  the  common  pro- 
cedure  in  the  western  states  to  dip  the  animals  after 
shearing;  this  is  not  only  beneficial  to  the  fleece 
but  rids  the  animal  of  ticks,  lice  and  fleas,  as  well. 
In  the  west  the  ticks  are  very  numerous  on 
the  sheep  in  the  spring,  but  after  shearing  they 
leave  the  older  sheep  and  are  found  principally 
on  the  lambs.  Later,  when  the  whole  band  are 
driven  up  in  the  mountains  for  summer  range, 
practically  no  ticks  are  found  at  all  in  the  band. 
During  the  winter  they  become  numerous  again, 
and  do  an  incalculable  amount  of  damage  by  suck- 
ing the  blood  and  causing  a  constant  irritation. 


PARASITIC  DISEASES.  165 

5.    Lice. 

Trichocephalus  spherocephalus ;  common  sheep 
louse. 

This  is  a  very  small  white  and  reddish  brown 
parasite,  measuring  about  one-twentieth  of  an 
inch  in  length.  The  eggs  are  laid  at  the  base 
of  the  wool  fibers. 

Only  a  very  careful  examination  reveals  the 
true  cause  of  the  irritation,  as  the  symptoms  are 
much  like  scab.  In  the  heat  of  the  day,  the  lice 
will  be  found  to  be  sticking  to  the  outer  end  of 
the  wool  fiber. 

If  many  animals  are  infected  dipping  with  any 
coal  tar  dip  is  advisable.  If  only  a  few,  an  oint- 
ment composed  of  equal  parts  lard  and  sulphur, 
rubbed  into  the  affected  parts,  will  soon  eradicate 
the  lice. 

6.     Maggots. 

Embryo  of  the  Musca  vomitorium  or  common 
blow-fly. 

This  is  one  of  the  most  serious  pests  with 
which  the  sheep  man  has  to  contend.  When  a 
sheep  is  accidentally  cut  during  shearing,  or  re- 
ceives some  other  injury  breaking  the  skin,  the 
blow-fly  attacks  the  -helpless  animal.  Sometimes 
the  wool  becomes  overlaid  with  fetid  discharges 
such  as  urine,  feces,  or  pus,  and  here  the  fly  lays 
her  eggs.  Soon  a  festering  mass  of  maggots 
are  present,  and  which  in  a  large  band  are  often 
not  discovered  until  the  animal  is  nearly  dead. 

The  treatment  consists  in  getting  the  maggots 
out  of  the  sore,  and  painting  the  edges  with  tine- 


166  SHEEP  DISEASES. 

ture  of  iodin.  As  turpentine  is  a  common  house- 
hold remedy,  this  may  be  used.  A  little  ether 
mixed  with  sweet  oil  has  a  tendency  to  bring  out 
all  maggots  that  are  deeply  buried.  Solutions 
of  creolin  are  useful,  or  even  coal  oil  (kerosene) 
may  be  used. 

The  best  thing  is  prevention.  In  case  of  in- 
juries, smear  pine  tar  over  the  part,  or  equal 
parts  lard  and  sulphur.  All  taggy  wool  should 
be  clipped. 

7.  Fleas. 

Pulex  irritans  [human];  Pulex  serraticeps 
[dog];  Pulex  avium  [bird]. 

These  rarely  attack  sheep.  It  is  sufficient  to 
merely  draw  attention  to  their  existence.  In  cer- 
tain localities,  however,  they  are  very  prevalent. 

Dusting  the  animal  well  with  Persian  insect 
powder  and  disinfecting  the  pen  or  corral  with 
creolin  or  lime  will  eradicate  these  pests. 

8.  Flies. 

Under  this  heading  come  gnats,  sandflies,  mos- 
quitoes and  other  winged  parasites.  Flies  of 
peculiar  economic  value  to  the  sheep  industry, 
such  as  the  Musca  vomitorium  (adult  of  the  mag- 
got) and  the  Estrus  ovis  (adult  of  the  grub  in 
the  head),  have  been  considered  at  length  under 
their  respective  headings. 

B.     INTERNAL  PARASITES. 

Fortunately,  due  to  the  high  altitude  of  the 
common  sheep  ranges  in  the  west,  very  few  in- 


PARASITIC  DISEASES. 


167 


ternal  parasites  attack  sheep.  Only  in  isolated 
localities  are  these  found,  and  then  usually  in 
low  sections  of  the  country,  or  in  places  long  de- 
voted to  sheep  husbandry. 

1.    Gid. 

Sturdy;  turn-sick. 

This  ailment  is  due  to  the  larva  or  hydatid 
phase  of  the  tapeworm,  the  Tae- 
nia  coenurus. 

The  eggs  of  this  tapeworm  are 
distributed  around  the  pens  or 
corrals  by  carnivorous  animals, 
chiefly  dogs.  Other  animals, 
such  as  the  coyote,  wolf  or  fox, 
may  also  be  the  host  of  this  tape- 
worm. 

After  the  eggs  are  ingested 
by  the  sheep,  it  is  supposed  that 
they    hatch    and    the    embryos 
gain  entrance  to  the  circulatory 
system  by  piercing  the  walls  of 
the  stomach,  although    our    knowledge  of  their 
life  history  is  incomplete.     Those  that  reach  the 
brain  or  spinal  cord  develop  into  large  cysts, 
and  cause  this  fatal  malady  among  sheep. 

Symptoms:  The  manifestations  of  gid  are 
general  in  character,  and  'at  first  one  may 
suspect  rabies,  or  some  form  of  poison,  but  the 
coma  that  soon  follows,  and  an  autopsy,  will  re- 
veal the  true  cause.  The  animal  becomes  dull, 
with  loss  of  appetite.  Later,  it  begins  to  stagger 
around  in  more  or  less  of  a  circle,  hence  the  old 


ESTBUS  Ovis. 

a.  Adult    female. 

b.  Adult    male. 


168  SHEEP  DISEASES. 

name,  "turnsick."     Finally,  it  falls   down   and 
dies  in  a  convulsion. 

The  fact  that  there  is  no  sneezing  or  nasal 
catarrh  in  gid  differentiates  it  from  grub  in  the 
head. 

Treatment:  This  is  unsuccessful,  prevention 
being  the  only  logical  method  to  pursue.  Treat 
the  sheep  dogs  with  a  vermifuge,  such  as  the 
following : 

8 

Pulv.  areca  nut gr.  xx 

Male  fern 3i 

Turpentine    m.  x 

M.  f.  cap. 

Starve  the  dog  all  day,  allowing  plenty  of 
water.  In  the  evening,  give  the  above,  and  the 
next  morning  administer  four  tablespoonfuls 
castor  oil.  Do  not  allow  the  dog  to  run  over  the 
sheep  pasture.  This  is  the  average  dose  for  a 
forty  pound  dog.  Stray  dogs  are  best  treated 
with  lead  administered  with  a  well  aimed  gun. 

Where  sheep  are  known  to  be  infected,  all 
heads  of  dead  animals  should  be  burned  and  not 
fed  to  the  dogs  or  left  for  coyotes. 

2.    Grub  in  the  Head. 

Grub;  gleet;  nasal  catarrh. 

Cause:  The  sheep  bot-fly,  Estrus  ovis,  de- 
posits living  larvae  in  the  nostrils  of  sheep. 
These  crawl  up  into  the  nasal  cavities,  causing 
a  violent  catarrh,  and,  in  severe  invasions,  death. 
Loss  of  weight  and  lack  of  thrift  always  occur. 
In  some  localities,  they  are  a  very  serious  menace. 


PARASITIC  DISEASES.  169 

Symptoms:  These  are  very  pronounced.  The 
infected  animal  runs  around  snuffing  as  though 
it  had  something  in  its  nose.  The  rest  of  the 
band  keep  their  noses  close  to  the  ground  and 
show  signs  of  fear.  Later,  the  infected  sheep 
lies  down,  sneezes,  rolls  its  head  in  every  con- 
ceivable shape  and  exhibits  the  greatest  of  ex- 
citement. The  eyes  grow  watery  while  the  nasal 
membranes  are  inflamed. 

To  differentiate  from  gid  is  comparatively 
easy.  There  is  no  violent  staggering  around  in 
a  circle,  and  no  disturbance  of  the  functions  of 
the  nervous  system,  the  nasal  catarrh  being 
the  most  prominent  symptom. 

Treatment:  After  infection,  this  is  practically 
hopeless.  Some  good  results  have  been  reported 
by  mixing  snuff  in  olive  oil  and  pouring  it  in 
the  nose,  while  holding  the  victim  on  its  back. 
Wire  snares  formed  of  small  loops  have  also  been 
tried. 

Prevention  is  the  only  logical  procedure.  Keep 
the  nose  well  smeared  with  tar.  In  a  large  band, 
this  is  done  by  boring  large  holes  in  a  plank, 
smearing  the  edges  with  tar,  and  filling  up  with 
salt. 

3.    Lung  Worms. 

Hoose;  husk;  snots;  verminous  bronchitis. 

The  Strongylus  filaria,  a  small,  reddish-brown 
round  worm,  less  than  an  inch  long,  and  about 
as  thick  as  a  thread,  is  the  parasite  responsible 
for  this  disastrous  disease. 

The  life  history  of  this  worm  is  not  exactly 


170  SHEEP  DISEASES. 

known.  According  to  some  investigators,  the 
worms  deposit  their  ova  in  the  air  passages  of 
the  infected  animal,  and  the  embryos  are  expelled 
either  through  the  sneezing  of  the  animal,  or 
through  the  feces.  They  can  live  in  several  in- 
termediate hosts,  such  as  the  angleworm,  and 
when  a  sheep  or  a  lamb  eats  or  drinks  in  the  in- 
fected locality,  the  parasite  reaches  the  air  pas- 
sages. Here  again  they  pass  through  another  life 
cycle,  which  is  repeated  with  startling  rapidity. 

Symptoms:  The  evidences  of  this  ailment  are 
most  pronounced  in  lambs,  and  depend  upon  the 
number  of  parasites  present.  First,  there  is  a 
pronounced  anemia,  commonly  known  as  "paper- 
skin.  ' '  A  broncho-pneumonia  is  next  seen,  accom- 
panied by  a  short,  hacking  cough.  The  nose  is 
rubbed  on  a  log,  and  the  victim  breathes  with  diffi- 
culty. Toward  the  last,  a  diarrhea  sets  in,  and 
the  animal  staggers  around,  until  it  falls  to  the 
ground,  never  again  to  rise. 

Treatment:  This  is  useless  when  the  lungs 
are  infested,  or  the  disease  in  the  last  stage.  If 
the  worms  are  in  the  trachea,  one  dram  of  gaso- 
lin  may  be  injected  intratracheally. 

Prevention  is  far  more  satisfactory  than 
treatment  of  affected  animals.  Separate  the 
healthy  from  the  sick,  and  keep  on  high  ground. 
Infested  pastures  should  not  be  grazed  for  a  year 
0r  two.  The  disease  is  seen  at  its  worst  in  the 
fall,  following  a  wet  summer. 


PARASITIC  DISEASES.  „  171 

4.    Stomach  Wormci    ^^ 

This  is  one  of  the  most  serious  ailments  that 
affect  sheep,  especially  is  it  serious  in  the  young. 

Another  member  of  the  Strongyles,  the  Stron- 
gylus  contortus,  a  brownish  colored  thread  worm, 
is  the  cause  of  this  ailment. 

The  life  history  of  this  parasite  has  not  been 
worked  out  definitely.  It  is  the  common  sup- 
position that  the  ova  are  voided  by  in  the  feces 
of  the  infected  animals ;  other  sheep  pick  them  up 
on  the  grass  or  in  the  water,  and  thus  spread  the 
infection. 

This  parasite  prefers  a  cool,  damp  habitat, 
and  experienced  observers  have  pointed  out  the 
fact  that  the  infection  is  usually  acquired  around 
shade  trees  where  the  lambs  play  during  the  heat 
of  the  day.  On  desert  ranges,  in  sandy  or  vol- 
canic ash  soil,  very  little  trouble  is  experienced. 

Symptoms:  The  experienced  eye  will  easily 
detect  the  symptoms  of  this  disease.  Along  in 
July  or  August,  the  infected  animal  begins  to 
hang  back  from  the  rest  of  the  band.  "Off  color/' 
says  the  herder.  Emaciation  becomes  notice- 
able, and  the  walk  is  hesitating,  like  a  sick  person 
getting  out  of  bed  and  taking  a  first  few  steps. 
The  wool  becomes  harsh  and  rough,  and  the  lamb 
becomes  very  weak.  Later,  the  victim  staggers 
about,  keeping  from  tumbling  on  the  ground  by 
the  greatest  of  efforts.  A  swelling  comes  on  the 
lower  jaw,  just  between  the  angles  of  the  inferior 
maxillae,  while  the  visible  mucous  membranes 
are  pale,  and  the  skin  like  parchment.  Depend- 


172  SHEEP  DISEASES. 

ing  on  the  severity  of  the  invasion,  death  may 
take  place  in  from  two  weeks  to  two  months. 

A  postmortem  examination  reveals  the  pres- 
ence of  clumps  of  reddish-brown  worms,  about 
half  an  inch  long,  and  size  of  a  hair,  living  in  a 
brown  liquid,  in  the  lower  part  of  the  fourth 
stomach  or  abomasum. 

Treatment:  In  a  small  band  of  sheep,  treat- 
ment can  be  instituted  with  a  fair  degree  of  suc- 
cess if  started  in  time.  Segregate  all  suspected 
cases  and  keep  them  in  a  corral.  Drive  the  ap- 
parently healthy  ones  to  another  pasture,  pref- 
erably a  high  and  dry  one.  Keep  all  food  away 
from  the  ones  to  be  treated  for  a  whole  day,  al- 
lowing plenty  of  water.  That  evening  give  to  an 
ordinary  lamb  one-half  ounce  each  of  gasolin 
and  raw  linseed  oil,  to  which  may  be  added  four 
ounces  of  fresh  cow's  milk.  Repeat  this  dosage 
for  three  evenings,  allowing  food  several  hours 
after  giving  each  dose  of  medicine.  Very  weak 
lambs  may  be  fed  more  often,  and  a  little  stim- 
ulant given.  Ten  days  later,  give  another  course 
of  this  same  treatment. 

Prevention  of  stomach  worms  is  more  to  be  de- 
sired than  any  treatment  however  successful. 
It  is  best  accomplished  by  frequent  change  of 
pasture.  In  case  this  is  impossible,  it  is  a  good 
plan  to  go  out  of  the  sheep  business,  for  stomach 
worms  and  profit  do  not  go  hand  in  hand.  Fight- 
ing this  disease  is  not  only  an  expensive  battle, 
but  an  uphill  task  as  well. 


PARASITIC  DISEASES.  173 

5.    Liver  Rot. 

Distomatosis. 

This  is  a  disease  of  deadly  importance  in  low- 
lying  countries  but  is  not  common  to  the  sheep 
raising  sections  of  the  west. 
The  sheep  is  naturally  an  in- 
habitant of  high  altitudes; 
this  factor  is  in  its  favor, 
since  to  a  large  extent  it 
keeps  it  away  from  noxious 
parasites  to  which  it  is  so 

susceptible.  DISTOMA  HEPATICUM. 

Feeders  who  prepare  the          £ 
best  mutton  for  market,  and          c.  ventral  sucker. 
who  buy  western  lambs  that  ' 


ey8 

-,  T  PIT"  "Pathology.") 

have  never  lost  a  feed  and 

that  have  spent  their  lives  at  an  altitude  of  from 
three  to  ten  thousand  feet  above  sea  level,  will 
sustain  me  in  making  this  statement. 

Liver  rot  is  due  to  the  Distoma  hepaticum  or 
Fasciola  hepaticum;  commonly  called  the  liver- 
fluke. 

The  life  history  of  the  fluke  is  an  interesting 
one,  and  may  be  briefly  given  as  follows  :  The 
feces  of  infected  animals  contain  the  embryos 
which  mature  in  about  six  weeks  under  favorable 
conditions.  They  then  bore  their  way  into  the 
bodies  of  fresh-water  snails,  and  after  passing 
through  certain  cycles,  emerge  as  cysts.  When 
these  are  taken  in  by  sheep  in  either  food  or 
water,  they  undergo  a  further  development  and 
migrate  into  the  bile  duct  and  on  into  the  liver. 


174  SHEEP  DISEASES. 

Just  how  long  a  period  is  spent  in  the  liver  is 
as  yet  undetermined;  nor  does  the  sheep  owner 
care.  What  he  wants  to  know  is  how  to  keep  the 
flukes  out  of  his  animals  entirely. 

Treatment  is  hopeless.  Prevention  is  the  only 
rational  course  to  pursue.  Do  not  attempt  to 
graze  sheep  in  infected  lands.  Disinfecting  water 
troughs,  if  those  are  used,  is  a  good  precaution- 
ary measure. 

6.    Tapeworms. 

Monieza  [Taenia]  expansa  is  the  largest  of  all 
tapeworms.  It  is  the  cause  of  the  so-called  "tape- 
worm plague "  in  lambs.  This  is  a  very  rapid 
growing  cestode,  accounts  being  on  record  of  a 
month  old  lamb  containing  a  thirty-six  foot  tape- 
worm in  its  intestinal  tract. 

Monieza  [Taenia]  alba  is  a  rather  short,  trans- 
parent tapeworm. 

Several  other  varieties  of  tapeworms  are  some- 
times found  in  sheep,  but  as  they  are  never  dis- 
covered until  after  slaughter,  little  attention  need 
be  given  them  from  a  practical  standpoint. 

Symptoms:  The  symptoms  of  tapeworm  in- 
festation are  a  gradual  anemia  and  lack  of  thrift 
on  good  range.  Many  cases  do  not  show  any 
symptoms  whatever. 

Treatment:  This,  as  T  with  the  foregoing,  is 
largely  a  matter  of  prevention.  If  the  ailment 
can  be  diagnosed  from  previous  histories  of  in- 
fection in  the  same  band,  the  following  should 
be  given:  Starve  the  lamb  all  day,  allowing  suf- 


PARASITIC  DISEASES.  175 

ficient  water.  At  night,  given  a  teaspoonful 
turpentine  in  several  ounces  raw  linseed  oil ;  oleo- 
resin  of  male  fern  may  be  substituted  for  the 
turpentine. 

7.     Esophagostoma  Columbiamim. 

This  minute  parasite  is  the  cause  of  the  com- 
mon "nodular  disease "  so  often  seen  in  packing 
houses,  where  large  numbers  of  sheep  are  slaugh- 
tered. The  nodules  vary  in  size;  the  older  and 
larger  ones  being  calcareous,  while  the  smaller 
ones  contain  the  parasite  embedded  in  a  mucu- 
purulent  matter. 

The  symptoms  are  so  obscure  that  the  presence 
of  the  parasite  is  not  discovered  until  after 
slaughter. 

Treatment  is  hopeless.  Prevention  is  the  pro- 
cedure for  which  to  strive,  and  this  is  not  thor- 
oughly understood.  The  high  dry  ranges  of  the 
extreme  West  seem  infested,  and  each  year  more 
western  lambs  are  affected. 


8.    Sarcosporidiosis. 

Sarcocystis  tenella;  Miescher's  tubules. 

A  class  of  minute  parasites  infecting  the  mus- 
cular tissues  of  animals,  also  known  as  "Mies- 
cher's  tubules. "  It  is  becoming  a  very  common 
parasite. 

Animals  grazed  in  swampy  pastures  or  near  a 
pond  seem  to  be  more  commonly  affected.  Later 


176 


SHEEP  DISEASES. 


investigations  seem  to  show  that  other  animals 
may  be  the  distributing  agent,  the  sheep  being 
the  definitive  host. 

No  ant  e-m  o  r  t  e  m 
symptoms  are  recog- 
nized, and  no  treatment 
nor  means  of  prevention 
is  at  present  known.  Re- 
moval to  a  high,  dry 
range,  and  watering 
from  running  streams 
might  prevent  the  para- 
site from  gaining  a  hold 
in  the  band. 

While  the  meat  of  a 
carcass  of  mutton  af- 
fected with  this  para- 
site is  edible,  the  numerous  hemorrhagic  spots  ren- 
der it  rather  unsalable.  The  diaphragm,  perito- 
neum and  other  abdominal  muscles  are  the  parts 
commonly  affected. 

9.    Rare  Parasites. 

Several  other  rare  parasites  infest  the  diges- 
tive tract  and  circulatory  systems  of  sheep,  but 
they  are  interesting  merely  from  a  scientific 
point  of  view,  and  have  no  practical  significance, 
to  the  practitioner. 


SACS 


OF     MlESCHER     FROM 

MUSCLES. 

(After  Ziegler.) 


Original  water  color  from   collection   in 
Smithsonian   Institution   by  Walpole 


A..HOEN&  CO. BALTIMORE. 


DEATH   CAM  AS   (Zygadtnus  venenosus) 


SECTION  XXIII. 

POISONS. 

Closely  approaching  in  extent  the  losses  among 
sheep  due  to  parasites  are  the  losses  from  poison- 
ing. The  poisons  destructive  to  sheep  naturally 
fall  into  three  classes,  as  follows : 

A.  Mineral  Poisons. 

B.  Vegetable  Poisons. 

C.  Animal  Poisons. 

On  the  Western  ranges  whole  bands  of  sheep, 
numbering  several  thousand  each,  have  been 
wiped  out  in  a  week,  sometimes  even  in  a  single 
day,  from  eating  poisonous  plants  or  drinking 
water  impregnated  with  some  unsuspected  toxic 
matter. 

It  is  a  well  known  fact  that  certain  localities 
abundantly  supplied  with  springs  are  uniformly 
deadly  to  sheep.  Sometimes  only  one  certain  pas- 
ture or  part  of  a  gulch  is  affected  in  this  way. 

In  the  mountain  ranges  a  great  variety  of  ore 
formations  occur,  such  as  lead,  zinc,  copper,  sil- 
ver and  gold,  salts  of  which  sheep  may  ingest  with 
their  food  or  drink.  Sometimes  the  poisoning  as- 
sumes a  chronic  form,  due  to  the  fumes  from 
smelters  being  deposited  on  the  grass  that  is  eaten 
by  the  animals.  The  diagnosis  in  these  cases  is 
extremely  difficult.  In  sections  of  the  country 
poisons,  such  as  strychnin,  phosphorus  and  ar- 

177 


178  SHEEP  DISEASES. 

senic,  are  used  to  eradicate  predatory  animals  or 
squirrels,  and  not  infrequently  are  distributed 
where  sheep  have  access  to  them  or  are  washed  to 
such  locations  by  surface  drainage. 

In  treating  cases  of  poisoning,  one  should  re- 
member the  three  cardinal  principles  of  toxicology 
which  consist  in  administering: 

First:  Chemical  antidotes;  substances  that 
change  the  composition  of  the  poison  into  some- 
thing inert. 

Second:  Mechanical  antidotes;  substances  that 
surround  the  poison  and  protect  the  absorbing  tis- 
sues. 

Third:  Physiological  antidotes;  substances  that 
antagonize  the  action  of  the  poison  by  neutralizing 
its  effects  on  the  animal. 

Keeping  these  facts  in  mind,  one  can  often  use 
ingenuity  in  selecting  substances  with  which  to 
treat  poisoned  animals,  where  the  proper  anti- 
dote is  not  to  be  had,  a  condition  that  is  often  the 
case  since  sheep  are  usually  found  in  the  most 
inaccessible  parts  of  the  country. 

A.    MINERAL  POISONS. 
1.    Acute  Lead  Poisoning. 

Acute  lead  poisoning  is  rather  rare  in  sheep, 
but  it  sometimes  occurs  in  early  spring. 

Symptoms:  Colic,  with  bloating;  suppression 
of  the  urine ;  slow,  wiry  pulse,  with  labored  breath- 
ing; gradual  weakness,  followed  by  convulsions 
and  death  within  a  few  hours. 


POISONS.  179 

Treatment:  Dilute  sulphuric  acid  (a  10  per  cent 
solution  of  the  official  dilute  acid),  commonly 
called  "oil  of  vitriol,"  in  one  dram  doses,  given 
in  a  pint  of  water,  forms  insoluble  lead  sulphate. 

Epsom  or  Glauber 's  salts  in  one  ounce  doses 
dissolved  in  a  pint  of  water,  or  a  teaspoonful  of 
sulphur  mixed  with  molasses  and  smeared  on  the 
tongue  may  be  given.  A  dram  of  potassium  per- 
manganate dissolved  in  a  pint  of  cold  water  is 
always  good  treatment,  and  may  be  administered 
when  the  exact  cause  of  the  poisoning  is  not 
known. 

Small  doses  of  morphin,  atropin,  or  glonoin  may 
be  given  hypodermically,  or  chloral  hydrate  may 
be  given  per  rectum. 

Treatment  in  acute  cases  of  lead  poisoning  is 
not  very  successful,  as  the  animals  are  usually 
too  badly  affected  to  even  drench. 

Postmortem  appearances:  Only  slight  changes 
are  noticeable;  this  is  especially  true  of  the  apo- 
plectic form  where  the  animals  are  found  dying 
in  convulsions. 

2.    Chronic  Lead  Poisoning. 

This  is  sometimes  seen  where  lead  mines  are 
found,  or  in  the  vicinity  of  smelters  where  the 
fumes  are  blown  on  the  grass. 

Symptoms:  Gradual  emaciation,  colic,  bluish 
color  around  the  gums  followed  by  death  from 
general  weakness. 

One  must  be  guided  largely  by  the  history  of 
the  case,  and  this  is  comparatively  easy  when  one 
is  familiar  with  the  country.  Old  or  working 


180  SHEEP  DISEASES. 

lead  mines  or  smelters  may  give  one  a  clue  as  to 
the  cause  of  the  trouble. 

Treatment:  One-half  dram  doses  of  potassium 
iodid  dissolved  in  a  pint  of  water  will  hasten  the 
removal  of  the  poison  by  transforming  the  lead 
into  lead  iodid.  Gum  acacia  in  water  or  raw  eggs 
help  to  protect  the  mucous  membranes. 

Postmortem  appearances:  Paleness  of  the  in- 
testinal mucosa;  ulcers  and  lead-gray  discolora- 
tions  throughout  the  alimentary  canal. 

In  a  large  band  of  sheep  the  only  practical  pro- 
cedure is  a  complete  change  of  food  and  water. 

3.    Acute  Arsenical  Poisoning. 

Acute  arsenical  poisoning  is  very  rare  in  sheep. 

Symptoms:  Great  salivation,  eroded  tongue, 
paralysis,  stupor,  and  death  in  a  few  hours. 

Treatment:  Do  not  give  oil.  Hydrated  iron  or 
even  the  common  iron  sulphate  in  large  doses,  one- 
half  ounce  to  a  pint  of  water,  may  be  given.  Eaw 
eggs,  lime  water,  sweetened  water,  sulphur  and 
potassium  sulphate  are  also  used.  Treatment  of 
acute  arsenical  poisoning  is  seldom  successful. 

Postmortem  appearances:  Great  redness  and 
swelling  of  the  mucous  membranes  of  the  alimen- 
tary canal. 

4.    Chronic  Arsenical  Poisoning. 

Chronic  arsenical  poisoning  is  sometimes  seen 
after  using  dips  containing  arsenic. 


POISONS.  181 

Symptoms:  Chronic  diarrhea,  gradual  emaci- 
ation, and  sometimes  a  short,  hacking  cough  is 
present. 

Treatment:  Change  of  food  and  water.  Iron 
sulphate  in  small  doses — twenty  grains  per  day — 
may  be  given. 

Postmortem  appearances:  Paleness  of  mem- 
branes with  a  general  hydremia.  Sometimes  the 
postmortem  findings  are  very  obscure. 

5.    Phosphorus  Poisoning. 

This  is  sometimes  seen  in  sections  where  this 
poison  is  used  to  kill  noxious  animals,  such  as 
squirrels.  It  usually  occurs  in  the  acute  form. 

Symptoms:  Phosphorus  poisoning  greatly  re- 
sembles arsenic  poisoning  in  that  there  is  great 
salivation,  a  staggery  gait,  and  death  from  con- 
vulsions. 

Treatment:  One  dram  copper  sulphate  (blue 
vitriol)  dissolved  in  a  pint  of  water;  same  dosage 
of  potassium  permanganate;  one  tablespoonful 
turpentine  given  in  mucilaginous  solutions  neu- 
tralizes the  poison,  changing  it  into  phosphoric 
acid.  Peroxid  of  hydrogen,  lime  water,  charcoal, 
and  raw  eggs  are  also  very  useful. 

Postmortem  appearances:  Very  similar  to  ar- 
senical poisoning.  In  subacute  cases  no  lesions 
may  be  observable, 

6.    Copper  Poisoning. 

Symptoms:  Colic;  diarrhea;  weakness;  slow, 
wiry  pulse. 


182  SHEEP  DISEASES. 

Treatment:  Iron  in  large  quantities;  raw  eggs; 
mucilaginous  drenches;  milk  and  sulphur. 

Postmortem  appearances:  Inflammation  of  the 
intestinal  tract  is  usually  present.  In  chronic 
light  attacks  calcareous  deposits  occur  in  the 
kidneys, 

7.    Zinc  Poisoning. 

This  usually  occurs  in  the  chronic  form. 

Symptoms:  Colic;  diarrhea;  weakness,  and  gen- 
eral paralysis. 

Treatment:  Tannic  acid  in  dram  doses;  sul- 
phur; raw  eggs;  sugar  in  water;  gums;  potassium 
permanganate. 

Postmortem  appearances:  Paleness  and  ulcers 
of  the  intestinal  tract. 

8.    Mercurial  Poisoning. 

This  is  comparatively  rare  in  sheep,  although 
occasionally  a  sheep  herder  grows  careless  and 
leaves  blue  ointment  lying  around  so  that  a  lamb 
or  two  becomes  poisoned. 

Symptoms:  Salivation;  bloody  diarrhea;  ec- 
zema; paralysis,  and  death  from  general  weak- 
ness. 

Treatment:    Sulphur;  iron  sulphate;  raw  eggs. 

Postmortem  appearances:  Signs  of  inflamma- 
tion in  the  bowels,  with  the  liver  enlarged,  are 
two  symptoms  that  may  help  one  to  arrive  at  a 
definite  diagnosis. 


POISONS.  183 

9.    Alkali  Poisons. 

This  includes  ammonia,  soda,  potassa,  and  salts 
of  these  metals.  Potassium  nitrate,  sodium  chlo- 
rid  and  sodium  sulphate  poisoning,  being  more 
common  than  the  others,  are  discussed  under 
separate  heads. 

Symptoms:  Colicky  pains;  sloughing  of  the 
mucous  membranes  of  the  mouth  and  throat; 
bloody  diarrhea,  followed  by  collapse  and  death. 

Treatment:  Large  quantities  of  vinegar;  raw 
eggs;  demulcents. 

Postmortem  appearances:  Inflammation  of  the 
mouth  and  throat;  edema  of  the  larynx. 

10.  Carbolic  Acid  Poisoning. 

As  this  is  purely  an  accidental  poison,  the  his- 
tory of  the  case  will  guide  one  to  a  correct  diag- 
nosis. The  odor  of  the  poison,  together  with  the 
coagulation  of  the  tissues,  are  very  plain  symp- 
toms. 

Treatment:  Alcohol;  Epsom  salt;  Glauber's 
salt;  raw  eggs. 

11.  Mineral  Acid  Poisoning. 

The  treatment  consists  of  soapsuds,  lime  water, 
baking  soda,  and  an  ounce  of  spirit  of  camphor 
may  be  given  as  a  stimulant. 

12.    Saltpeter  Poisoning. 

Treatment  consists  in  giving  emollients,  such  as 
raw  eggs,  or  mucilaginous  gruels.  Stimulants, 
such  as  spirit  of  camphor  or  aromatic  spirits  of 
ammonia  or  whiskey,  are  indicated,  if  available. 


184  SHEEP  DISEASES. 

13,    Common  Salt  Poisoning. 

This  occurs  where  sheep  have  been  deprived  of 
salt  for  a  long  time  and  then  given  it  in  too  gen- 
erous quantities. 

Symptoms:  Chiefly  a  violent  gastro-enteritis, 
with  a  watery  diarrhea  and  frequent  urination. 
Death  occurs  in  a  few  hours. 

Treatment:  Drench  with  large  quantities  of 
water;  raw  linseed  oil;  raw  eggs,  and  give  spirit 
of  camphor  as  a  stimulant. 

14.    Epsom  Salt  and  Glauber's  Salt  Poisoning. 

Symptoms:  Intense  thirst;  weakness;  watery 
diarrhea;  death  in  a  day  or  two. 

Treatment:  Give  large  quantities  of  water;  raw 
linseed  oil;  raw  eggs;  spirit  of  camphor,  aromatic 
spirits  of  ammonia  or  whiskey  as  a  stimulant. 

15.    Sheep-Dip  Poisoning. 

After  dipping,  some  of  the  animals  may  show 
symptoms  of  trembling,  staggery  gait,  paralysis 
and  death.  This  may  not  only  have  been  caused 
by  swallowing  some  of  the  solution,  but  inhaling 
it  into  the  lungs.  The  sheepmen  are  very  philo- 
sophical about  this,  and  when  one  or  more  die 
they  merely  shrug  their  shoulders  and  take  it  as 
a  matter  of  course. 

Very  little  can  be  done  in  the  way  of  treatment, 
for  death  ensues  soon  after  the  appearance  of  the 
first  symptoms.  Alcohol,  whiskey,  spirit  of  cam- 
phor, Epsom  salt  solution  all  may  be  given.  The 
poisonous  action  comes  from  the  cresol  content 


POISONS.  185 

of  the  dip,  the  action  of  which  is  similar  to  that 
of  carbolic  acid. 

16.    Lime  Poisoning. 

Cases  have  been  known  where  a  bunch  of  lambs 
have  been  confined  to  a  rather  close  room  and 
lime  sprinkled  on  them  to  make  them  sneeze  to 
get  rid  of  the  lung  worms  or  grub  in  the  head. 
Quite  frequently  the  cure  has  been  more  disas- 
trous than  the  original  ailment. 

The  antidote  for  lime  poisoning  is  vegetable 
acids,  of  which  vinegar  is  a  common  example. 

17.    Petroleum  Poisoning. 

This  is  so  rare  that  one  should  merely  remem- 
ber to  give  large  quantities  of  stimulants.  It  is 
not  absorbed  to  any  great  extent,  but  acts  as  a 
mechanical  irritant  to  the  tissues. 

18.    Rare  Mineral  Poisonings. 

Every  now  and  then  some  rarely  used  mineral 
poison  or  a  combination  of  such  poisonings  is 
the  cause  of  the  death  of  one  or  more  sheep, 
usually  lambs.  The  best  thing  one  can  do  in  case 
several  are  still  living  when  called  is  to  admin- 
ister demulcents  and  stimulants. 

B.    VEGETABLE  POISONS. 

Every  experienced  person  is  familiar  with  the 
losses  incurred  among  sheep  from  eating  poison- 
ous plants.  Sometimes  only  a  few  are  poisoned 
and  die,  while  in  other  cases  whole  bands  of  sev- 


186 


SHEEP  DISEASES. 


era!  thousand  have  been  wiped  out  in  from  a  few 
hours  to  a  few  days. 

It  is  a  well  known  fact  that  most  of  the  losses 
occur  in  the  early  spring  when  the  sheep  are  hun- 
gry for  green  stuff,  or  after  shipment  when  the 

animals  are  so 
nearly  starved 
they  will  eat  greed- 
ily any  plant  they 
chance  to  come 
upon. 

The  two  most 
efficient  methods  of 
prevention,  there- 
fore, are :  First, 
keep  off  the  range 
before  the  grass  is 
abundant,  and,  sec- 
ond, keep  the  ani- 
mals supplied  with 
sufficient  food. 

In  the  early 
spring  certain  poi- 
sonous plants,  such 
as  death  camas,  be- 
gin to  grow  before 
the  grass.  The 
green,  succulent 

shoots  are  eagerly  nibbled  and  soon  trouble  en- 
sues. If  the  animal's  rumen  is  full,  and  it  eats 
but  a  few  shoots  of  this  plant,  usually*  no  symp- 
toms of  poisoning  follow.  That  is  due  to  a  lack 
of  absorption  or  the  very  slow  absorption  of  such 


A  PINE  TREE  GROWING  IN  SOLID 
ROCK — Favorite  ranges  for  sheep 
are  composed  of  mountainous 
scenes  like  this.  A  sheep  will 
thrive  where  other  animals  would 
starve. 


POISONS.  187 

minute  quantities  as  to  cause  nothing  more  than 
a  slight  discomfort. 

Old  stockmen  regard  plant  poisoning  as  prevent- 
able diseases.  Their  young  herders  often  grow 
impatient  to  be  off  for  the  range,  but  the  older 
heads  look  wise  and  say  nothing,  and  remain  in 
winter  quarters.  When  first  starting  out  in  the 
spring,  the  "old  man"  will  ride  ahead  and  care- 
fully peer  over  the  grazing  ground  on  the  lookout 
for  "pizen." 

As  Glover  of  Colorado  has  well  said,  ' '  Through- 
out the  vegetable  kingdom,  from  bacteria  to  the 
mighty  oak,  we  find  species  of  plants  poisonous 
under  certain  conditions,  but  few  of  them  poison- 
ous under  all  conditions. "  This  is  further  illus- 
trated by  the  following  statements: 

1.  Some  plants  are  poisonous  only  at  certain 
stages  of  growth ;  for  example,  the  lupine  is  poison- 
ous at  the  time  of  going  to  seed;  larkspur  loses  its 
toxic  properties  at  flowering  time;  death  camas 
is  very   deadly   in   the   early   spring,   but   later 
dries  up. 

2.  Unusual  conditions  and  ecological  factors 
may  affect  the  quantity  of  poison  in  plants.    The 
wilted  leaves  of  the  wild  cherry  or  choke  cherry 
are  poisonous. 

3.  Poison  is  found  in  different  parts  of  the 
plant,  such  as  in  the  roots  of  wild  parsnips,  the 
seeds  of  lupine,  the  leaves  of  the  wild  or  choke 
cherry,  and  the  entire  plant  of  death  camas  and 
aconite. 

4.  Variations    occur    owing    to    season    and 


188  SHEEP  DISEASES. 

the  climate.  These  depend  also  on  cultivation  and 
location. 

5.  Some  animals  are  more  susceptible  to  poison 
than  others.  Three  sheep  of  the  same  age,  size 
and  degree  of  health  may  eat  a  few  leaves  of  death 
camas.  One  may  become  violently  sick  and  die  in 
a  couple  of  hours;  the  second  may  show  signs  of 
slight  discomfort  and  soon  recover,  and  the  third 
one  may  exhibit  no  ill  effects  whatever. 

Loss  from  plants  may  be  due  to  two  causes: 

1.  The  actual  toxic  material  contained  in  the 
plant  itself,  such  as  in  the  death  camas,  or 

2.  The  mechanical  irritation  arising  from  the 
sharp  points  or  awns  of  the  plant,  such  as  foxtail 
or  bearded  barley. 

Lambs  succumb  in  either  case  more  quickly  than 
adult  sheep,  due  to  the  absorbing  powers  of  the 
abomasum,  or  fourth  stomach,  and  the  greater 
danger  from  inflammation  of  the  bowels. 

Emergency  Treatment. 

Every  sheep  man  should  be  advised  to  have  in 
his  medicine  chest  one  hundred  or  more  powders 
consisting  of  ten  grains  each  of  potassium  per- 
manganate and  aluminum  sulphate.  Several  long 
neck  pint  bottles  should  be  included,  and  when  any 
sheep  gets  poisoned,  fill  the  bottle  with  water  and 
pour  the  powder  into  it.  Shake  well,  and  give 
very  slowly.  Do  not  set  the  animal  up  on  its  rump 
to  drench  it;  to  do  so  is  to  insure  traumatic  pneu- 
monia, and  death.  This  dose  should  be  repeated 
in  twenty  minutes. 


POISONS.  189 

Tannic  acid  in  sixty-grain  powders  should  also 
be  carried  along,  as  this  is  an  antidote  for  many 
vegetable  poisons. 

Laudanum,  in  teaspoonful  doses,  may  be  given 
to  quiet  the  animal  and  relieve  spasms,  but  treat- 
ment at  the  best  is  a  poor  substitute  for  preven- 
tion. 

Such  measures  as  slashing  the  ears  and  cutting 
off  the  tail  to  bleed  the  animal,  of  course,  can  do 
no  good  and  are  even  harmful.  There  are  times 
when  these  procedures  are  useful,  but  not  often 
in  poisonings.  Pouring  melted  lard  and  other  con- 
coctions into  the  animals  usually  does  more  harm 
than  good.  This  has  a  tendency  to  dilute  the  poi- 
son and  render  it  easier  of  absorption. 

Morphin,  glonoin,  H-M-C  and  atropin  all  may 
be  given  hypodermically  by  the  veterinarian. 

But  in  all  cases  of  plant  poisoning,  remember  to 
have  on  hand  the  potassium  permanganate  and 
aluminum  sulphate,  the  tannic  acid,  and  opium  in 
some  form  as  a  hypnotic.  Stimulants  are  often 
valuable,  but  when  the  victim  is  so  far  gone  as  to 
be  unable  to  swallow,  little  hope  can  be  entertained 
for  its  recovery. 

In  all  cases  of  vegetable  poisoning,  the  usual 
treatment  given  by  sheepmen  is  to  administer  a 
large  quantity  of  stimulant,  such  as  several  ounces 
of  alcohol  or  whiskey.  In  a  short  time,  the  animal 
becomes  sleepy,  lies  still  for  several  hours  or  more, 
apparently  dead,  and  then,  if  recovery  takes  place, 
gets  up,  shakes  itself,  and  trots  off,  rather  weakly, 
to  be  sure,  but  otherwise  as  if  nothing  had  hap- 
pened. In  many  cases,  where  the  exact  cause  of 


190  SHEEP  DISEASES. 

the  poisoning  is  not  known,  this  treatment  may 
be  given  with  as  good  results  as  any. 

1.    Death  Caxnas. 

Botanical  name — Zygadenus  venenosus. 

Common  names — Wild  onion;  lobelia;  poison 
camas;  and  poison  sego  to  distinguish  it  from  the 
blue  or  edible  camas. 

The  leaves  are  lance-shaped,  with  a  simple  stem, 
and  bulb-like  root,  greatly  resembling  a  tough 
onion.  The  flowers  are  greenish-yellow  in  color. 
Its  toxic  principle  is  an  unknown  alkaloid. 

It  is  found  in  all  kinds  of  locations,  such  as 
valleys,  mountain  sides  and  timber  lands.  Its 
habitat  seems  to  be  South  Dakota,  Montana,  Idaho, 
Washington,  and  parts  of  Utah,  Oregon,  Wyoming 
and  California, 

One  must  see  this  plant  growing  in  its  native 
haunts  to  get  a  vivid  mind-picture  of  it. 

This  has  caused  the  loss  of  thousands  of  sheep. 
Instances  have  been  known  where  over  two  thou- 
sand have  died  in  one  day  from  the  effects  of  this 
poison! 

Symptoms:  These  greatly  resemble  strychnin- 
poisoning  in  general.  The  animal  becomes  very 
restless  from  the  severe  pain.  Trembling  and 
frothing  at  the  mouth  are  next  seen.  Death 
usually  takes  place  in  one  to  three  hours,  and  from 
one-half  to  two-thirds  of  those  exhibiting  symp- 
toms die. 

Treatment:  Give  a  drench  of  ten  grains  each 
of  potassium  permanganate  and  aluminum  sul- 


POISONS.  191 

phate  dissolved  in  a  pint  of  cold  water,  or  water 
with  the  chill  taken  off  it.  This  dose  should  be 
mixed  up  just  before  using,  as  it  soon  loses  its 
strength. 

2.    Loco. 

Botanical  name — Astragalus  mollissimus  [pur- 
ple loco];  and  Aragallus  lamberti  [white  loco]. 
Common  names — Rattle  weed;  loco. 

It  may  be  said  that  when  the  loco  grows  in  large 
patches  it  resembles  a  field  of  alfalfa,  It  is  a  stem- 
less  herb,  with  numerous  leaves,  the  whole  plant 
being  about  a  foot  high. 

Its  habitat  is  in  the  Rocky  Mountain  region,  ex- 
tending from  Montana  south  to  the  Mexican  line. 

Horses  are  its  commonest  victims,  but  occa- 
sionally a  bunch  of  sheep  become  ' '  locoed ' '  to  the 
profane  disgust  of  the  owner. 

Symptoms:  Are  characteristic  and  are  not  seen 
from  eating  any  other  weed.  The  animal  steps 
high  and  seems  to  lose  control  of  its  legs.  It  de- 
velops an  insatiate  desire  for  the  weed.  Other 
animals  imitate  the  victim  out  of  curiosity  and 
also  become  victims  of  the  weed. 

Treatment:  This  is  largely  preventive.  When 
an  animal  is  seen  eating  loco  with  apparent  relish, 
remove  it  from  the  band  at  once.  If  worth  saving 
it  may  be  given  teaspoonful  doses  of  Fowler's 
solution  of  arsenic  once  daily. 

Do  not  turn  the  animals  out  on  pasture  when 
they  are  very  hungry  or  in  the  early  spring. 


192  SHEEP  DISEASES. 

3.    Larkspur. 

Botanical  name — Delphinum. 

This  does  not  cause  so  much  loss  among  sheep 
as  among  cattle.  There  are  many  varieties,  all 
more  or  less  poisonous.  The  tall  larkspur  grows 
to  a  height  of  nearly  four  feet,  with  very  smooth 
leaves  and  blue  flowers.  Purple  larkspur  grows 
nearly  a  foot  high,  bearing  very  beautiful  purple 
flowers. 

Its  habitat  is  in  the  western  range  country,  but 
it  is  not  thickly  distributed. 

Symptoms:  The  animal  walks  with  a  stiff, 
trembling  gait.  Frothing  at  the  mouth  is  noticed, 
and  the  victim  makes  a  start  for  the  nearest  water- 
ing place,  but  often  dies  before  reaching  it.  The 
fact  that  many  animals  have  been  found  dead 
around  a  water  hole  has  set  up  the  mistaken  cry 
that  the  water  was  poisoned. 

Treatment:  Largely  preventive.  When  the 
animal  is  found  poisoned,  place  its  head  higher 
than  the  body.  Carefully  give  the  potassium  per- 
manganate and  aluminum  sulphate  drench.  One- 
twentieth  of  a  grain  of  atropin  may  be  given  hypo- 
dermically.  For  lambs,  reduce  this  dosage  accord- 
ingly. 

4.    Lupine. 

Botanical  name — Lupinus. 
Common  names — Wild  pea;   wild   bean;   blue 
bean. 

There  are  several  dozen  varieties  of  lupine,  all 
are  legumes  or  members  of  the  pea  family,  the 


Original  water  color  by   N.   Brenizer  H^B^T  A-HOEN«CQ  BAI. 

PURPLE  LARKSPUR   (Delphinium  bi-color) 

"Permission  Will  C. -Barnes  'Western  Grazing  Ground?  un<i  Forest  Range* 


POISONS.  193 

group  to  which  the  clovers  and  alfalfa  belong. 
None  seem  to  be  poisonous  until  reaching  ma- 
turity. 

The  most  common  lupines  are  rather  tall,  with 
branching  forms.  The  leaves  are  green  above  and 
silver-grey  beneath.  The  flowers  vary  from  blue 
to  white.  Its  habitat  is  pretty  well  distributed 
over  the  United  States,  but  it  assumes  a  more  poi- 
sonous form  out  in  the  western  range  sections. 

Symptoms:  The  sheep  becomes  excited;  walks 
in  a  circle,  and  butts  its  head  against  any  inter- 
vening obstruction.  Paralysis  then  comes  on,  and 
death  ends  the  struggle  within  a  few  hours  to 
several  days.  The  general  symptoms  resemble 
strychnin  poisoning  greatly. 

Treatment:  The  potassium  permanganate  and 
aluminum  sulphate  drench  may  be  given.  In  cases 
of  convulsions,  laudanum  in  teaspoonful  doses,  or 
chloral  hydrate  in  two-dram  doses,  or  one-quarter 
grain  morphin  hypodermically,  may  be  adminis- 
tered. Acids  have  been  tried  also. 

This  is  not  a  very  common  ailment  among 
sheep,  except  in  small  localities.  In  Germany  it 
often  assumes  the  gravity  of  an  enzootic  under 
the  name  of  ' '  lupinosis. ' ' 

5.    Aconite. 

Botanical  name — Aconitum. 

Common  names — Monkshood;  wolfsbane. 

This  plant  greatly  resembles  larkspur  in  that  it 
has  a  blue  flower,  but  this  is  "hood  shaped." 
Much  confusion  exists  between  this  plant  and  lark- 


194  SHEEP  DISEASES. 

spur,  and  the  chances  are  that  owing  to  its  pungent 
taste  aconite  does  very  little  actual  damage.  Sev- 
eral species  of  aconite  occur  in  the  United  States, 
the  commonest  being  the  Aconitum  Columbianum; 
it  grows  in  very  high  altitudes,  up  to  ten  thousand 
feet,  and  occasionally  a  band  of  sheep,  very  hun- 
gry for  green  stuff,  may  eat  enough  to  cause  seri- 
ous results. 

Symptoms:  Muscular  weakness,  with  labored 
breathing,  and  a  very  weak,  wiry  pulse.  Bloating, 
frothing  at  the  mouth,  and,  as  death  draws  near, 
the  eye  is  greatly  dilated. 

Treatment:  One  dram  (sixty  grains)  tannic 
acid  dissolved  in  an  ounce  of  glycerin  and  a  pint 
of  water  is  the  chemical  antidote;  atropin  given 
hypodermically  in  one-tenth  grain  dosage  is  the 
physiological  antidote. 

6.    Water  Hemlock. 

Botanical  name — Cicuta  occidentalis. 

Common  names — Cowbane;  sometimes  called 
wild  parsnip,  but  differing  greatly  from  the  real 
wild  parsnip. 

It  grows  from  three  to  six  feet  high.  Its  stem 
is  hollow,  green  and  smooth.  The  roots  are 
bunched  together,  and  are  spindle-shaped,  with 
cross  partitions  in  them.  The  real  wild  parsnip 
has  only  one  thick,  fleshy  root,  which  is  an  easy 
way  to  tell  the  two  apart. 

The  flowers  are  a  dull  greenish-white.  The 
plant  grows  along  banks  of  rivers  and  marshes, 
and  is  pretty  well  distributed  over  the  West. 


POISONS.  195 

It  is  one  of  the  most  deadly  of  poisonous  plants, 
the  toxic  matter  being  found  in  the  root,  stem 
and  leaves. 

Symptoms:  Great  abdominal  pain,  which  grows 
more  intense  in  a  few  minutes,  is  the  first  symptom 
noticed.  Sweating,  frothing  at  the  mouth,  con- 
vulsions, and  within  half  an  hour  to  several  hours 
death  takes  place  in  terrible  agony. 

Treatment:  Relief  in  the  great  majority  of 
cases  is  absolutely  hopeless.  Raw  linseed  oil,  lard, 
raw  eggs,  or  any  agent  to  soothe  the  irritated  mu- 
cous membranes  may  be  given.  The  potassium 
permanganate  and  aluminum  sulphate  drench  may 
also  be  administered.  Stimulants,  such  as  spirit 
of  camphor,  whiskey,  ether,  aromatic  spirit  of 
ammonia  or  brandy,  are  indicated. 

7.    Choke  Cherry. 

Botanical  name — Prunus  demissa. 
Common  name — Choke  cherry;  choke  berry. 

This  is  a  shrub  with  glistening  green  leaves, 
not  ordinarily  harmful,  except  when  famished 
sheep  are  driven  through  thickets  of  it.  It  is 
found  usually  in  gulches.  The  poison  contained 
in  the  leaves  is  hydrocyanic  or  prussic  acid. 

Symptoms:  The  first  symptom  noticed  after 
passing  through  one  of  these  cherry  thickets  is 
extreme  giddiness;  labored  breathing,  with  spas- 
modic contractions  of  the  bowels  and  bladder. 
Spasms  continue  until  death  ends  the  struggle. 
The  attack  is  speedily  fatal  if  the  animals  eat  of 
these  leaves  when  their  stomachs  are  empty. 


196  SHEEP  DISEASES. 

Treatment:  Largely  preventive;  the  wise  sheep 
man  does  not  allow  his  sheep  access  to  the  leaves 
while  they  are  very  hungry. 

Throwing  cold  water  on  the  head,  with  inhala- 
tions of  ammonia,  and  the  hypodermic  injection 
of  one-tenth  or  one-twentieth  grain  of  atropin  is 
about  all  that  can  be  done.  Even  this  must  be  done 
immediately,  and  therefore  by  the  herder,  to  be  of 
any  avail. 

8.    Laurel. 

Botanical  name — Kalmia  angustifolia;  kalmia 
lati  folia. 

Common  names — Laurel;  sheep  laurel;  lambkill, 
and  in  the  southern  states,  ivy. 

It  is  a  common  plant  in  the  eastern  part  of  our 
country,  growing  in  the  woods  with  great  profu- 
sion. It  is  a  shrub  with  a  pink  flower.  It  is  eaten 
only  when  the  animals  are  famished  for  food  or 
green  forage. 

Symptoms:  Frothing  at  the  mouth;  labored 
breathing;  loss  of  sight;  paralysis;  coma  and 
death. 

Treatment:  The  potassium  permanganate  and 
aluminum  sulphate  drench  may  be  given  at  once, 
and  one-twentieth  of  a  grain  of  atropin  hypoder- 
mically.  Usually  the  animal  is  beyond  recall  when 
discovered. 

9.    Veratrum. 

Botanical  name — Veratrum  viride  or  speciosum. 
Common  name — Hellebore,  Indian  poke  root. 

A  stout,  coarse  plant  growing  about  three  feet 
tall.  The  leaves  are  broad,  with  greenish- white 


POISONS.  197 

flowers.  It  is  found  in  moist  land.  Very  little 
attention  need  be  paid  this  plant,  as  sheep  will 
not  touch  it;  a  lamb,  though,  may  nibble  at  it  out 
of  mere  curiosity  and  later  regret  it. 

Symptoms:  Frothing  at  the  mouth;  diarrhea; 
labored  breathing;  bloat;  great  abdominal  pain, 
and  death  within  a  short  time. 

Treatment:  One  dram  (sixty  grains)  of  tannic 
acid  dissolved  in  an  ounce  of  glycerin  and  a  pint 
of  cold  water  may  be  given  to  form  an  insoluble 
precipitate,  or  raw  linseed  oil,  lard,  or  raw  eggs 
to  soothe  the  mucous  membrane. 

10.    Ergot. 

Botanical  name — Claviceps  purpurea. 
Common  name — Smut. 

Ergot  is  a  black  parasitic  growth  found  on  va- 
rious grasses,  being  very  prevalent  on  both  wild 
and  tame  rye.  The  dust-like,  powdery  pod  is 
familiar  to  all. 

Its  greatest  danger  is  to  pregnant  ewes,  a  very 
small  quantity  being  capable  of  producing  abor- 
tion. Sometimes  it  causes  serious  losses  to  a  band 
of  sheep  by  being  thickly  distributed  through  the 
hay. 

Symptoms:  The  animal  exhibits  symptoms  of 
painful  swallowing,  gulping  as  though  it  were 
choked.  The  pulse  is  slow,  breathing  shallow,  and 
in  gangrenous  cases  the  ears  become  swollen  and 
purple.  Paralysis  comes  on  gradually,  death  tak- 
ing place  quietly,  as  though  the  animal  were  tired 
of  life. 


198  SHEEP  DISEASES. 

Treatment:  Immediate  change  of  food.  One 
dram  of  tannic  acid  (sixty  grains)  dissolved  in  a 
pint  of  water,  to  which  is  added  a  teaspoonful 
sweet  spirit  of  nitre.  The  latter  will  neutralize 
the  action  of  the  poison  in  the  blood  to  some  extent, 
while  the  tannic  acid  renders  the  ergot  in  the 
stomach  inert.  Cutting  off  the  ears  or  tail  is  some- 
times indicated.  Painting  the  necrosed  areas 
with  balsam  of  Peru  will  help  these  to  heal,  in  case 
of  recovery. 

11.    Deadly  Nightshade. 

Botanical  name — Solanum  nigrum. 
Common  name — Deadly  nightshade. 

A  smooth,  wide-branching  weed,  growing  one  or 
two  feet  high,  with  clusters  of  white  flowers.  The 
berries,  which  ripen  along  in  the  late  summer,  are 
black,  almost  round,  and  very  juicy.  It  is  com- 
mon to  all  sections  of  the  United  States. 

Symptoms:  Giddiness;  dilated  pupils;  great 
abdominal  pain;  convulsions,  followed  by  paralysis 
and  death. 

Treatment:  As  this  very  rarely  causes  death  in 
sheep,  treatment  is  a  secondary  consideration.  A 
teaspoonful  of  soda  dissolved  in  a  pint  of  water 
may  be  given,  and  stimulants,  such  as  whiskey, 
sweet  spirit  of  nitre  or  ether,  are  indicated. 

12.    Woody  Aster. 

Botanical  name — Xylorhiza  Parryi   [Gray]. 

This  plant,  found  in  Wyoming,  and  growing  on 
gumbo-clay  soil,  has  killed  many  sheep  in  the 


POISONS.  199 

past.  It  is  infected  with  a  fungus,  and  whether 
this  contains  the  toxic  ingredients  or  the  plant 
itself  is  poisonous,  has  not  yet  been  determined. 

It  is  a  medium-sized  plant,  blossoming  about  the 
first  of  May,  and  grows  less  poisonous  with  age, 
being  entirely  inactive  when  withered. 

The  poison  is  very  fatal  to  sheep,  from  ninety 
to  one  hundred  per  cent  of  the  affected  animals 
dying  in  spite  of  all  treatment. 

Symptoms:  From  one  to  several  hours  after 
eating  the  plant,  depending  on  the  fullness  of  the 
first  stomach,  the  animal  begins  to  grow  weak; 
labored  breathing  is  noticed;  then  bloating,  with 
frequent  urinating.  Later,  a  diarrhea  sets  in,  the 
eyes  become  dilated,  and  the  animal  dies  in  from 
several  hours  to  three  or  four  days. 

Treatment:  No  successful  line  of  treatment  has 
yet  been  worked  out.  Stimulants,  such  as  one- 
half  ounce  aromatic  spirits  of  ammonia  in  a  cup 
of  warm  water;  dram  doses  of  oil  of  peppermint 
in  a  half -pint  raw  linseed  oil;  dram  doses  of  lauda- 
num in  oil,  have  all  been  tried  with  varying  suc- 
cess. 

The  best  line  of  treatment  is  prevention,  and 
avoiding  aster  patches  when  the  sheep  are  hun- 
gry, especially  in  the  early  spring. 

13.    Sneeze  Weed. 

Botanical  name — Helenium  montanum. 

This  belongs  to  the  sunflower  family,  growing 
from  one  to  three  feet  high.  It  has  long,  lance- 
shaped  leaves,  with  bright  yellow  flowers. 


200  SHEEP  DISEASES. 

It  is  a  very  bitter  weed,  and  sheep  will  not  touch 
it  unless  almost  starved.  Sometimes,  however,  a 
young  animal  will  develop  a  taste  for  it. 

Symptoms:  Spasms;  rapid  pulse;  labored 
breathing,  and  extreme  sensitiveness  of  the  skin. 
There  is  sneezing  and  coughing,  and  death  ends 
the  clinical  picture. 

Treatment:  If  observed  before  convulsions  take 
place,  a  pint  of  melted  lard  may  be  given.  Re- 
moval from  infected  pastures  is  the  only  logical 
procedure.  The  weed  is  very  abundant  on  old, 
worn-out  ranges,  and  is  mute  testimony  to  the 
folly  of  over-grazing. 

14.    Rubber  Weed. 

Botanical  name — Hymenoxys  floribunda. 
Also  known  as  " pingue" ,  the  Spanish  name  of 
the  weed. 

This  is  a  small  weed,  bearing  a  yellow  flower, 
and  is  found  in  the  semi-arid  ranges  of  southern 
Colorado  and  northern  New  Mexico.  It  does  not 
contain  any  poisonous  principle,  so  far  as  is 
known,  but  causes  death  by  forming  a  rubber-like 
obstruction  in  the  intestinal  tract. 

Symptoms:  The  animal  appears  drowsy,  and 
loses  its  appetite.  It  lies  down  and  refuses  to  get 
up.  Death  takes  place  in  from  one  to  several 
hours  after  the  first  symptoms  are  noted. 

Treatment:  As  this  is  a  very  obscure  disorder, 
treatment  is  still  in  the  experimental  stage.  It  has 
been  found  through  practical  experience  that  a 


Water  color  by   N.   Brenizer 


LUPINE   (Lufoinus) 


•Permission  Will  C.  Barnes  'Western  Grazing  Grounds  and  Forest  Ranges  ' 


POISONS.  201 

pint  of  warm  brine  given  every  hour  will  do  as 
much  or  more  good  than  anything  yet  tried.  This 
may  have  a  tendency  to  dissolve  the  mass. 

15.    Strychnin. 

This  is  an  accidental  poisoning,  the  plant  not 
growing  in  this  country.  The  trouble  usually 
follows  attempts  to  poison  noxious  animals,  and 
the  sheep  may  get  enough  to  kill  them. 

Symptoms:  The  signs  of  strychnin  poisoning 
are  familiar.  First  is  noticed  a  restlessness,  la- 
bored breathing,  rapid,  wiry  pulse,  and  the  animal 
walks  as  though  it  were  on  stilts.  The  muscles 
twitch,  the  eyes  become  bloodshot,  and  there  is 
frothing  at  the  mouth.  Convulsions  set  in  and 
the  animal  dies  with  spasmodic  twitching  of  the 
limbs. 

Treatment:  One  dram  (sixty  grains)  tannic 
acid  dissolved  in  glycerin  and  water,  an  ounce 
of  the  former  to  a  pint  of  the  latter,  followed  by 
two  drams  chloral  hydrate  dissolved  in  a  half -pint 
of  water  or  given  per  rectum.  Morphin  in  one- 
fourth  grain  doses  may  be  given  hypodermically. 
Raw  eggs  are  excellent,  while  raw  linseed  oil  or 
melted  lard  seems  to  assist  in  keeping  the  poison 
from  being  absorbed. 

16.    Cotton  Seed  Meal. 

Poison  by  this  valuable  food  is  usually  seen 
where  there  is  too  heavy  feeding  of  oil  cake. 

Symptoms:  There  is  a  bloody  diarrhea  and 
bloody  urine;  cramps;  bloat,  and  great  abdominal 
pain. 


202  SHEEP  DISEASES. 

Treatment:  Immediate  change  of  food.  Lambs 
may  be  given  an  ounce  of  castor  oil  and  several 
raw  eggs. 

17.  Tobacco. 

Botanical  name — Nicotiana. 

Sometimes  seen  after  the  use  of  tobacco  or  nico- 
tine dips. 

Symptoms:  Great  abdominal  pain;  frothing  at 
the  mouth;  diarrhea;  bloat;  convulsions,  followed 
by  paralysis,  and  death  within  an  hour  or  so  after 
the  first  symptoms  are  noticed. 

Treatment:  One  dram  (sixty  grains)  tannic 
acid  dissolved  in  a  pint  of  water,  to  which  has  been 
added  an  ounce  of  glycerin.  Black  coffee  may  also 
be  given. 

18.  Digitalis. 

Digitalis  poisoning  very  rarely  occurs  in  sheep, 
as  the  digitalis  plant,  commonly  known  as  fox- 
glove, is  a  cultivated  drug  plant. 

The  symptoms  are  variable  and  one  must  know 
the  complete  history  of  the  case  in  order  to  make 
a  definite  diagnosis. 

No  cure  or  antidote  is  known,  although  the  tan- 
nic acid  drench  may  be  given  a  trial. 

19.    Turpentine. 

In  the  western  range  sections  sometimes  when 
the  sheep  are  almost  famished  and  food  is  scarce 
they  will  eat  enough  shoots  of  young  evergreen 
trees  to  cause  turpentine  poisoning. 


POISONS.  203 

Symptoms:  Acute  gastroenteritis;  colic;  con- 
stipation, the  pellets  voided  being  covered  with 
a,  bloody,  slimy  mucus.  The  urine  becomes  bloody 
and  general  weakness  follows.  The  course  is  a 
gradual  one,  sometimes  lasting  from  several  days 
to  a  couple  of  weeks. 

Treatment:  Removal  from  the  offending  pas- 
ture. Tannic  acid  in  dram  doses,  together  with 
whole  flaxseed  jelly  to  soothe  the  irritated  urinary 
membranes.  Small  doses  of  lead  acetate  (from 
five  to  ten  grains)  may  be  given  daily. 

20.  Rape  Seed. 

This  causes  inflammation  of  the  bowels,  bloody 
diarrhea,  convulsions  and  death. 

The  treatment  is  wholly  symptomatic,  and  when 
the  malady  has  reached  an  advanced  stage,  treat- 
ment is  hopeless. 

21.  Croton  Oil. 

When  administered  to  cure  constipation,  some- 
times an  overdose  is  given.  Violent  cramps  with 
a  watery  dysentery  follow.  Raw  eggs,  contain- 
ing teaspoonful  doses  of  laudanum,  may  be  given, 
but  death  is  the  usual  sequel. 

22.    Hemlock. 

Botanical  name — Conium  maculatum. 

Poisoning  by  this  is  very  rare;  the  acrid  taste 
of  the  hemlock  keeps  the  sheep  from  eating  it, 
even  though  they  be  almost  starved.  The  usual 
victims  are  lambs  and  the  end  is  death. 


204  SHEEP  DISEASES. 

Symptoms:  Are  convulsions,  followed  by  com- 
plete paralysis. 

Treatment:  While  almost  always  fatal,  one  may 
administer  one  dram  tannic  acid  dissolved  in  an 
ounce  of  glycerin  and  a  pint  of  water.  Spirit  of 
camphor  in  tablespoonful  doses  can  be  given  as  a 
stimulant. 

23.    Flax. 

Botanical  name — Linum  usitatissimum. 

In  sections  where  flax  is  extensively  raised  occa- 
sional cases  of  poisoning  among  sheep  have  been 
known. 

Symptoms:  Colic;  diarrhea;  convulsions  and 
death. 

Treatment:    Give  the  tannic  acid  drench. 

24.    Horse  Radish. 

Botanical  name — Cochlearia  armoracia. 

Sometimes  in  the  early  spring,  sheep  eat  too 
much  of  this  common  garden  plant,  and  a  violent 
colic  and  diarrhea  takes  place. 

The  treatment  consists  in  giving  one  dram  of 
tannic  acid  dissolved  in  a  pint  of  water.  Sev- 
eral raw  eggs  beaten  up  can  be  next  given  to 
soothe  the  irritated  mucous  membranes. 

If  the  horse  radish  is  old  and  strong  the  animal 
will  not  need  to  be  blanketed  to  keep  it  warm, 
and  if  it  should  die  the  flesh  will  not  need  sea- 
soning. 

25.    Toadstools. 

These  are  never  eaten  by  sheep,  but  if  a  lamb 
nibbles  at  one,  the  symptoms  following  are  almost 


POISONS.  205 

maniacal  in  form.  Not  much  can  be  done,  but 
a  teaspoonful  tannic  acid  dissolved  in  a  cup  of 
water  may  be  given  with  advantage  in  some  cases. 

26.  Potato  Tops. 

The  symptoms  greatly  resemble  foot-and- 
mouth  disease,  and  the  tannic  acid  drench  should 
be  tried. 

27.  Poison  Oak. 

Botanical  name — Rhus  diversiloba. 
Common  names — Poison  ivy;  poison  sumac. 

There  are  a  number  of  varieties  in  this  group, 
and  poisoning  rarely  occurs  in  sheep  from  any 
of  them.  In  case  it  does,  drenches  of  raw  linseed 
oil  in  pint  doses  seem  to  do  more  good  than  any- 
thing else  yet  tried.  The  course  of  the  ailment  is 
a  lingering  one,  sometimes  lasting  over  a  week. 

28.    Kafir  Corn  and  Sorghums. 

Losses  sometimes  occur  in  sheep  in  the  autumn 
from  turning  in  fields  from  which  kafir  corn  or 
sorghum  have  been  harvested.  The  young  stub- 
ble contains  hydrocyanic  (prussic)  acid,  or  sub- 
stances that  may  be  changed  into  this  acid  when 
ingested  by  herbivora.  It  is  very  deadly  to  cattle 
and  sheep.  Hogs  seem  to  be  immune. 

The  only  beneficial  treatment  known  is  to  give 
a  drench  of  the  potassium  permanganate  and 
aluminum  sulphate,  twenty-grain  doses  of  each, 
dissolved  in  a  pint  of  water.  However,  as  death 
often  occurs  within  a  very  few  minutes  after  the 
first  symptoms  of  poisoning  are  shown,  treat- 


206  SHEEP  DISEASES. 

ment  is  frequently  impossible.  As  kafir  and  sor- 
ghum stubble  is  not  uniformly  poisonous  it  may 
be  worth  while  to  "try"  it  with  only  a  few  sheep 
otherwise  it  is  unsafe  to  turn  a  band  onto  such 
forage.  The  danger  is  greater  in  dry  seasons 
than  in  normal  seasons. 

29.    Bearded  Grasses. 

A  number  of  grasses  such  as  foxtail,  bearded 
barley  or  wheat,  cheat,  needle-grass  and  sand- 
burrs  all  cause  trouble  to  sheep  by  mechanical  ir- 
ritation. A  violent  gastro-enteritis  is  often  in- 
duced by  eating  them.  Sometimes  a  bunch  of  the 
spikes  or  awns  lodge  in  the  mouth  under  the 
tongue  and  the  animal  starves  to  death  from  in- 
ability to  eat. 

When  once  affected,  absolutely  no  treatment  is 
known  that  is  successful  if  the  irritation  occurs 
in  the  stomach  or  bowels.  A  careful  post-mortem 
examination  will  reveal  the  cause,  and  an  exten- 
sive repetition  of  the  trouble  can  be  avoided  by 
changing  pastures. 

30.    Ensilage. 

Cases  have  been  known  where  a  large  number 
of  sheep  have  been  killed  by  feeding  on  mouldy 
silage,  or  silage  that  apparently  was  in  good  con- 
dition, but  contained  the  fungus,  ' i  Penicillium. ' ' 

The  symptoms  are  the  same  as  from  mouldy 
feed  of  any  kind:  A  violent  colic,  constipation, 
followed  by  fetid  diarrhea,  convulsions  and  death. 

Treatment  is  very  unsuccessful,  since,  when  the 
animals  begin  to  exhibit  typical  symptoms,  fatal 


POISONS.  207 

quantities  of  the  toxic  principles  have  already 
been  absorbed. 

Large  doses  of  potassium  permanganate,  one 
dram  or  sixty  grains  dissolved  in  a  pint  of  water, 
may  be  given.  The  triple  sulphocarbolates,  in 
sixty  grain  doses,  combined  with  a  dram  of  tinc- 
ture of  ginger  and  an  equal  quantity  of  dioscorea 
may  also  be  tried. 

If  only  camp  remedies  are  at  hand,  give  a  tea- 
spoonful  of  powdered  ginger,  and  one-fourth 
teaspoonful  each  of  salt  and  pepper  dissolved  in 
a  pint  of  lukewarm  water.  Teaspoonful  doses  of 
turpentine  in  raw  linseed  oil  may  be  tried,  but 
in  cases  where  there  is  great  inflammation  of  the 
mucous  membranes  of  the  stomachs  and  bowels, 
this  seems  to  make  matters  worse.  Raw  eggs 
are  always  valuable  in  soothing  this  irritation. 

31.    Porcupine  Grass. 

Botanical  name — Stipa. 

While  over  a  hundred  varieties  of  this  grass 
are  known  to  botanists,  only  one,  "Sleepy  Porcu- 
pine Grass, "  is  known  to  be  poisonous  to  sheep. 

This  is  commonly  a  native  of  the  Southwest, 
abounding  especially  in  southern  Colorado,  west- 
ern Texas,  lower  California,  Arizona,  and  New 
Mexico.  It  grows  at  an  elevation  of  from  5,000 
to  9,000  feet;  is  a  very  hardy  plant,  abo'ut  three 
to  five  feet  tall,  with  peculiar  long,  flat  leaf -blades, 
hence  the  name  "porcupine  grass."  The  stalks 
and  leaves  are  bright  green,  and  the  seeds  very 
coarse. 


208  SHEEP  DISEASES. 

Only  when  the  animals  are  very  hungry  or  the 
feed  extremely  scarce  will  sheep  eat  it. 

The  symptoms  of  poisoning  are  insidious,  but 
not  particularly  fatal.  The  animal  becomes 
droopy  and  appears  sleepy.  Finally,  it  lies  down, 
and  to  the  inexperienced,  the  band  is  minus  an- 
other sheep.  However,  in  a  little  while,  depend- 
ing on  the  amount  eaten,  the  victim  awakes  and 
trots  off  as  though  nothing  had  happened. 

32.    Uncommon  Plant  Poisonings. 

Occasionally  a  plant  will  cause  trouble  in  some 
locality  that  is  not  known  generally.  Also,  one 
comes  into  contact  with  poison  cases  that  have 
occurred  in  almost  unheard  of  manners.  Even 
in  the  west,  on  one  forest  range,  a  peculiar 
grass,  such  as  "bear  grass,"  may  be  found  on 
one  side  of  the  mountains,  causing  much  trouble ; 
while  on  the  other  side  it  is  unheard  of.  Many 
local  poisons  have  not  been  touched  upon  for  the 
reason  that  space  forbids. 

It  requires  often  the  utmost  skill  to  unravel 
cases  that  at  first  defy  diagnosis.  Eliminating 
spoiled  food,  acute  infectious  diseases,  parasites, 
nearly  all  range  enzootics  can  be  traced  to  some 
poison  ingested  in  the  food  or  water. 

In  every  case  where  the  diagnosis  is  shrouded 
in  mystery,  the  sheep  should  be  moved  to  other 
quarters  and  given  different  food  and  water. 
These  two  precautions  will  often  work  wonders. 
An  investigation  can  then  be  made. 

In  some  parts   of  the   northwest,   two   plants 


Original  water  color  from  collection   in 
Smithsonian   Institution   by  Walpole 


AHOENS.GO  BALTIC 


ACONITE   (Aconitum  Columbianum) 

MONK'S   HOOD 
"Permission  Will  C.  Barnes  'Western  Grazing  Grounds  and  Forest  Ranges  '  " 


POISONS.  209 

found  among  the  foothills  of  the  summer  ranges 
have  been  condemned  by  sheep  men  as  poisonous. 
These  are  the  scutellaria  or  skullcap,  and  a  form 
of  wild  pea,  with  small  white  flowers.  Poisoning 
from  these  usually  occurs  in  the  early  spring,  and 
perhaps  they  are  only  harmful  when  ingested  in 
large  quantities  by  a  hungry  animal. 

In  the  eastern  part  of  the  United  States,  poke- 
root,  corn  cockle,  horse  nettle,  jimson  weed,  horse 
chestnut  and  the  castor  bean  have  all  caused  oc- 
casional deaths  among  sheep.  It  is  not  common, 
however,  and  the  animal  is  dead  before  discov- 
ered, as  a  rule.  The  treatment  for  these  cases, 
if  they  are  discovered  in  time,  consists  of  large 
doses  of  tannic  acid  dissolved  in  water. 

In  the  central  states,  especially  in  the  river 
valleys,  wild  or  blue  pea  has  caused  some  fatal- 
ities. It  may  be  said,  with  safety,  that  almost 
every  vicinity,  even  neighborhood,  where  sheep 
are  kept,  has  its  peculiar  poisonous  plants. 

In  all  cases,  however,  the  treatment  is  nearly 
the  same.  Large  doses  of  some  form  of  alcohol, 
tannic  acid,  or  potassium  permanganate  may  be 
given. 

C.    ANIMAL  POISONS. 

Sheep  are  practically  immune  to  this  class  of 
poison,  as  under  this  head  are  found  snake  bites, 
insect  stings,  caterpillars  and  grubs  taken  in  the 
food,  and  cantharides  or  Spanish  fly. 

As  the  sheep  is  such  a  dainty  eater  it  is  not 
troubled  by  ingesting  animal  poisons,  and  the 
others  have  no  deleterious  effect  on  the  sheep. 


SECTION  XXIV. 

PREDATORY  ANIMALS. 


While  all  live  stock  suffer  from  the  depreda- 
tions of  predatory  animals,  the  sheep  man  is  a 
heavier  loser  than  the  owner  of  other  domesti- 
cated animals.  In  the  eastern  states  the  mongrel 
dog  has  nearly  ruined  the  industry;  in  the  west- 
ern states,  where  sheep  are  raised  by  the  million, 


COYOTE  KILLERS — The  Russian  wolf  hound  is  a 
favorite  with  coyote  hunters. 

a  varied  assortment  of  animal  pests  annoy  the 
stockmen. 

Notwithstanding  the  bounties  given  by  both  the 
state  and  live  stock  associations,  it  is  not  an 
exaggeration  to  say  that  over  five  million  dollars ' 


210 


PREDATORY  ANIMALS.  211 

worth  of  sheep  are  destroyed  annually  by  preda- 
tory animals,  in  the  west  alone.  Some  years  ago, 
when  California  offered  a  bounty  of  five  dollars 
per  coyote,  over  70,000  were  killed  in  one  year, 
and  to  keep  from  being  bankrupted,  the  state  re- 
pealed the  law.  Last  year,  in  less  than  nine 
months,  nearly  15,000  coyotes  were  killed  in  Idaho 
and  presented  for  bounty  and  the  appropria- 
tion exhausted.  Because  these  campaigns  against 
predatory  animals  have  been  only  sporadic  they 
have  allowed  them  to  increase  enormously  during 
the  past  few  years  and  become  a  serious  menace 
to  the  live  stock  industry.  If  every  state  would 
offer  a  uniform  bounty  for  the  next  ten  years, 
these  marauders  would  soon  become  practically 
exterminated. 

The  chief  predatory  animals  are  the  coyote, 
lynx,  wild  cat,  cougar  and  wolf.  The  bear  is 
classed  as  a  sheep  killer  but  is  grouped  in  bad 
company,  and  prairie  dogs  are  a  nuisance  in 
destroying  the  grass  on  the  range  where  they 
abound.  The  coyote  does  as  much  damage  as  all 
the  others  combined,  the  wolf  does  not  care  much 
for  mutton  but  is  especially  annoying  to  cattle- 
men. It  is  a  common  estimate  in  the  west  that 
a  coyote  destroys  $100  worth  of  property  a  year, 
and  a  wolf  $1,000.  The  mountain  lion  or  cougar 
is  the  particular  enemy  of  deer,  one  cougar  kill- 
ing, on  the  average,  fifty  of  these  beautiful,  timid 
animals  a  year.  Only  one  bear,  perhaps,  out  of 
a  hundred  turns  "meat  eater "  and  harms  the 
stockman. 


212 


SHEEP  DISEASES. 


1.    The  Coyote. 

"TV  durndest,  sneakin'est  reptile  thet  lives " 
is  the  unanimous  verdict  of  all  western  stock- 
men. This  animal  is  a  member  of  the  dog  family, 


COYOTE. 


and  has  all  the  cunning  attributes  claimed  for 
him  by  disgusted  "buckaroos"  who  have  ex- 
hausted their  patience  in  trying  to  shoot,  trap 
or  poison  him. 

While  civilization  drives  the  rest  of  wild  animal 
life   still   farther   back  into   the   mountains,   the 


PREDATORY  ANIMALS. 


213 


coyote  seems  to  appreciate  the  coming  of  the  emi- 
grant. With  the  greatest  of  enjoyment  he  lives 
off  of  fat  lamb  or  veal,  and  no  cleric  relishes 
chicken  any  better  than  he.  In  the  most  unlocked 
for  places,  sometimes  not  forty  rods  from  the 
barn,  the  coyote  rears  a  husky  family  of  five 
to  ten  young,  and  manages  to  support  them  in 


THE  OLD  WOLF  SHOT  AND  HELPLESS. 


comfort  and  affluence  despite  the  high  cost  of 
living,  which  because  of  him  is  made  even  higher 
for  all  meat  consumers. 

In  the  spring  the  coyote  welcomes  lambing 
time,  and  when  the  band  of  sheep  are  driven  to  the 
summer  range  he  accompanies  the  outfit.  Many 
a  lamb  in  straying  too  far  from  its  mother  pro- 
vides a  juicy  dinner  for  the  unseen  but  ever- 
present  coyote.  In  the  fall,  he  returns,  invig- 


214 


SHEEP  DISEASES. 


orated  after  a  summer  vacation  in  the  mountains, 
and  dines  with  regularity  on  turkey,  duck  or 
chicken.  Too  cunning  to  be  trapped;  too  wily 
to  be  shot,  the  best  way  to  get  rid  of  him  is  to 
run  the  brute  down  with  hounds. 


WOLF  PUPS  IN  FRONT  OF  DEN. 


In  the  past  few  years,  in  the  northwest,  coyotes 
have  been  spreading  rabies  to  an  alarming  ex- 
tent. Due  to  this,  the  Federal  government  is  just 
starting  an  all-western  campaign  against  this 
animal,  the  worst  enemy  of  the  stockman  in  gen- 
eral, and  the  sheep  raiser  in  particular. 


PREDATORY  ANIMALS. 


215 


2.    Wild  Cat  and  Lynx. 

A  " bobcat"  getting  among  a  band  of  sheep 
seems  to  kill  for  the  sole  pleasure  of  killing.  A 
hundred  or  more  sheep  will  be  found  dead,  un- 
touched, save  for  the  gash  in  the  throat. 

They  are  very  cowardly  and  shy,  and  for  this 
reason  do  not  perform  a  great  deal  of  damage. 


WILD  CAT. 

Still,  one  bobcat  with  a  taste  for  blood  will  make 
life  a  tragedy  for  any  sheepman  until  it  is 
destroyed.  Bobcats  are  rather  easily  treed  with 
good  dogs;  then  they  may  be  knocked  in  the  head 
amid  great  rejoicing. 

In  1915  Idaho  and  Wyoming  paid  a  bounty  on 
over  fifteen  hundred  wild  cats  and  lynx. 


216 


SHEEP  DISEASES. 


LYNX  CAT  CAUGHT  IN  TRAP — Sopris  National 
Forest,  Colorado. 

3.    Wolf  and  Cougar. 

Fortunately  for  sheepmen  these  two  animals 
do  not  seem  to  relish  mutton  as  much  as  they  do 
deer,  cattle  and  horses. 

The  wolf  is  especially  dangerous  to  the  cattle- 
man, and  often  kills  for  mere  pastime.  It  is  very 
difficult  to  destroy,  being  almost  as  cunning  as 
the  coyote.  They  breed  rapidly,  and  some  sec- 
tions of  the  west  are  so  infested  with  them  it 
is  almost  impossible  to  raise  horses  or  cattle. 

The  cougar  or  mountain  lion  is  a  great  coward, 
and  shuns  civilization.  It  does  great  damage  to 
deer,  and  occasionally  one  develops  a  taste  for 


Original  water  color  from 

collection   in   Smithsonian 

Institution  by  Walpole 


WATER  HEMLOCK  (dcuta 

"Permission  Will  C.  Barnes  'Western  Gr  axing  Grounds  and  Forest  Ranges  ' 


PREDATORY  ANIMALS. 


217 


young  lamb.  They  usually  stay  close  to  some 
body  of  water  where  the  deer  come  to  drink,  and 
kill  one  or  two  a  week. 

The  best  way  to  hunt  cougar  is  with  good 
hounds,  for  when  treed  they  make  little  effort  to 
get  away,  resembling  a  cat  in  this  respect.  They 
are  very  powerful;  one  who  has  looked  into  the 
sneering  face  of  a  cougar  treed  by  several  dogs 
will  never  forget  the  sight. 

About  one  hundred  wolves  were  killed  in  Idaho 
and  Wyoming,  and  possibly  a  dozen  cougars  in 
1915. 

4.    Bear. 


A  SHEEP-KILLING  BEAR. 


This  harmless  animal  is  the  victim  of  a  bad 
name,  due  to  an  occasional  bear  turning  "meat 
eater"  and  destroying  stock  with  frightful  rapid- 


218  SHEEP  DISEASES. 

ity.  The  average  bear,  however,  attends  strictly 
to  his  own  business,  and  keeps  away  from  the 
white  man  as  though  the  latter  were  a  bill  col- 
lector. 

Bears  are  often  mischievous,  and  sometimes  a 
sheepherder  will  return  to  his  camp  to  find  his 
light  house-keeping  outfit  slightly  mussed  up  and 
worse  from  wear  after  the  visit  of  a  prowling 
bear.  The  bacon  and  sugar  will  be  among  the 
things  missing,  and  much  profanity  will  be  in- 
dulged in  by  the  outraged  herders. 

Bears  are  not  predatory  animals  and  should 
not  be  classed  as  such. 

5.    Prairie  Dog. 

This  pest  merely  destroys  the  range.  It  has 
been  estimated  thirty-two  of  these  busy  little 
animals  will  eat  as  much  grass  as  one  sheep  and 
as  a  single  village  contains  thousands  of  these 
rodents,  it  can  readily  be  seen  how  destructive 
they  really  are. 

They  are  combatted  with  poisoned  grain,  and 
in  the  early  spring,  when  the  grass  is  scarce, 
this  method  kills  them  by  the  thousand. 


SECTION  XXV. 

QUARANTINE  AND  TRANSPORTA- 
TION REGULATIONS.  ; 

There  was  a  time  not  many  years  ago  when 
all  government  and  state  regulations  regarding 
live  stock  inspection  was  looked  upon  as  "fool 
red  tape."  In  "them  good  old  days"  an  un- 
scrupulous and  bull-headed  man  could  drive  a 
band  of  scabby  sheep  wherever  he  desired  so 
long  as  he  kept  out  of  reach  of  the  bullets  from 
angry  cattle  men  or  sheep  men.  State  lines,  forest 
preserves,  scab  eradication,  quarantines  and  su- 
pervision of  live  stock  were  Greek  to  him.  ' t  They 
ain't  no  sech  thing  as  germs,"  he  would  laugh 
and  drive  on. 

But  a  new  era  approached.  Successful  stock- 
men began  to  see  what  a  quarantine  would  do 
in  the  control  of  contagious  diseases,  such  as 
scab.  The  benefits  accruing  from  laws  designed 
to  curb  the  migrations  of  lawless,  careless  men 
who  cared  little  how  much  infection  they  scat- 
tered, were  self-evident.  This  sentiment  grew 
in  favor,  until  the  western  sheep  raising  states 
have  the  most  stringent  regulations  in  the  coun- 
try. These  laws  have  been  enacted  by  the  sheep- 
men themselves  and  are  models  of  clear,  common- 
sense  rules,  designed  to  be  of  the  greatest  bene- 
fit to  the  greatest  number. 

219 


220  SHEEP  DISEASES. 

It  is  true  there  has  been  friction.  Sometimes- 
an  officious,  undiplomatic  "two-bit"  government 
inspector  was  sent  out  from  the  extreme  eastern 
part  of  our  country.  Not  being  familiar  with 
the  rough  and  ready  methods  of  the  west  he  be- 
came about  as  popular  as  smallpox.  In  other 
cases,  ignorant  and  dishonest  state  officials,  ap- 
pointed through  political  trickery  and  not  because 
of  merit,  made  enemies  among  the  better  class  of 
sheep  men.  Oftentimes  sheep  raisers  without 
any  regard  or  reason  for  sensible  laws  caused 
trouble.  These  three  factors  have  caused  more 
or  less  turmoil,  but  it  is  fast  dying  -down. 

To  keep  sheep  free  from  scab  or  other  conta- 
gious diseases  has  proven  to  be  the  greatest  boon 
to  the  industry.  To  be  able  to  call  in  expert  as- 
sistance to  diagnose  some  mysterious  malady  or 
enzootic  at  the  beginning  of  the  trouble  has  been 
of  inestimable  benefit.  To  enforce  these  laws 
designed  for  the  good  of  the  greatest  number 
has  been  the  duty  of  the  government  and  state. 

Within  the  boundaries  of  its  own  borders, 
the  laws  of  a  state  are  supreme.  When  move- 
ments of  live  stock  occur  between  the  states,  con- 
stituting * '  interstate  commerce, ' '  the  Federal  gov- 
ernment is  the  master.  Therefore,  by  govern- 
ment regulations,  a  state  that  will  not  conform  to 
reasonable  rules  cannot  ship  out  of  the  state  into 
another,  and  is,  therefore,  by  indirection  com- 
pelled to  comply  with  Federal  regulations,  even 
in  matters  that  are  essentially  intrastate. 

Ten  years  ago  over  twelve  million  sheep  were 
dipped  under  the  government  supervision  per 


QUARANTINE  AND  TRANSPORTATION.    221 

year,  while  unnumbered  thousands  were  dipped 
by  state  officials.  The  results  of  this  campaign 
have  been  so  good  that  but  little  scab  now  re- 
mains in  this  country. 

1.    Federal  Regulations. 

The  Acts  of  February  2,  1903,  and  March  3, 
1905,  regulating  the  movement  of  sheep  from  one 
state  to  another,  are  largely  responsible  for 
eradicating  the  scab  from  our  country. 

To  illustrate  the  stringency  of  these  regula- 
tions the  text  in  full  is  herewith  given: 

REGULATION  4.  TO  PREVENT  THE  SPREAD 
OF  SCABIES  IN  SHEEP. 

(Acts  of  Feb.  2,  1903,  and  Mar.  3,  1905.) 
MOVEMENT  OF  SHEEP  AFFECTED  WITH  SCABIES. 

SECTION  1.  Paragraph  1. — No  sheep  which  are  diseased 
with  scabies  shall  be  shipped,  trailed,  or  otherwise  removed, 
or  allowed  to  drift,  from  one  State  or  the  District  of  Columbia 
into  another  State  or  the  District  of  Columbia,  except  as 
hereinafter  provided,  and  no  sheep  shall  be  shipped,  trailed, 
or  otherwise  removed,  or  allowed  to  drift,  from  a  State  or  a 
portion  thereof  quarantined  for  the  disease  of  scabies  in 
sheep  into  another  State  or  the  District  of  Columbia  except 
as  hereinafter  provided. 

Paragraph  2. — No  sheep  shall  be  trailed  or  driven  or  hauled 
in  private  conveyances  from  the  quarantined  area  in  any 
State  to  any  point  in  the  same  State  not  included  in  the 
quarantined  area  and  subsequently  delivered  to  a  transporta- 
tion company  for  shipment  to  any  other  State  or  the  District 
of  Columbia  until  the  sheep  shall  have  been  inspected  by  an 
inspector  of  the  Bureau  of  Animal  Industry  and  found  to  be 
free  from  disease  and  from  exposure  thereto,  and  are  accom- 
panied by  a  certificate  from  the  said  inspector. 

Paragraph  3. — All  of  the  sheep  in  a  certain  flock  or  ship- 
ment in  which  the  disease  is  present  shall  be  classed  as  dis- 
eased sheep,  and  none  of  them  shall  be  removed  or  offered 
for  interstate  shipment  until  dipped  as  hereinafter  provided. 
The  practice  of  "picking"  a  flock — that  is,  removing  any  sheep 
which  are  visibly  diseased  and  then  offering  any  portion  of 
the  remaining  sheep  for  either  inspection  or  interstate  ship- 
ment, or  both— is  directly  and  positively  prohibited. 


222  SHEEP  DISEASES. 


SHEEP   EXPOSED   IN   TRANSIT. 

SECTION  2.  Healthy  sheep  in  an  area  not  quarantined  for  the 
disease  of  scabies  in  sheep  which  have  not  been  exposed  to 
the  disease  by  coming  in  contact  with  diseased  sheep  or  in- 
fectious premises  may  be  shipped  or  trailed  interstate  without 
restriction  by  the  regulations  of  the  Secretary  of  Agriculture 
to  prevent  the  spread  of  scabies  in  sheep;  but  if  said  sheep 
be  unloaded  en  route  or  at  destination  and  are  placed  in  in- 
fectious premises  they  shall  thereafter  be  treated  as  exposed 
sheep  and  shall  not  be  forwarded  to  destination  for  purposes 
other  than  immediate  slaughter  until  they  shall  have  been 
dipped,  under  the  supervision  of  an  inspector  of  the  Bureau  of 
Animal  Industry. 

MOVEMENT    OF    SHEEP    FOR    IMMEDIATE    SLAUGHTER 
AND  FOR  STOCKING  AND  FEEDING. 

SECTION  3.  Paragraph  1. — Sheep  that  are  diseased  with 
scabies  and  that  have  been  dipped  once  in  a  permitted  dip 
under  the  supervision  of  an  inspector  of  the  Bureau  of  Animal 
Industry  Within  10  days  of  date  of  shipment  may  be  shipped 
interstate  for  immediate  slaughter  to  a  recognized  slaughter- 
ing center,  and  when  so  shipped  the  said  sheep  shall  not  be 
diverted  en  route  and  shall  be  slaughtered  within  two  weeks 
after  arrival  at  destination.  If  diseased  sheep  are  to  be 
shipped  interstate  for  stocking  or  feeding  purposes  they  shall 
be  dipped  twice  as  above  indicated,  10  days  apart,  and  shall 
be  submitted  to  inspection  before  shipment. 

Paragraph  2. — Sheep  that  are  not  diseased  with  scabies  but 
which  have  been  exposed  to  the  contagion  of  the  disease  may 
be  moved  interstate  for  feeding  or  stocking  purposes  after  one 
dipping,  or  they  may  be  shipped  interstate  by  rail  or  boat 
to  a  recognized  slaughtering  center  for  immediate  slaughter 
without  dipping. 

TRANSPORTATION    REQUIREMENTS    FOR    DISEASED 
AND    EXPOSED   SHEEP. 

SECTION  4.  When  diseased  sheep  have  been  dipped  once 
and  are  shipped  interstate  for  slaughter  in  accordance  with 
section  3,  paragraph  1,  or  when  exposed  sheep  are  shipped 
interstate  without  dipping  for  immediate  slaughter  in  accord- 
ance with  section  3,  paragraph  2,  the  transportation  company 
shall  affix  to  both  sides  of  each  car  or  boat  a  durable  placard 
not  less  than  B1/^  by  8  inches  in  size,  on  which  shall  be  printed 
with  permanent  black  ink  in  bold-face  letters  not  less  than 
iy2  inches  in  height  the  words  "DIPPED  SCABBY  SHEEP" 
or  "EXPOSED  SHEEP  FOR  SLAUGHTER,"  as  the  case  may 
be.  These  placards  shall  also  show  the  name  of  the  place 
from  which  the  shipment  was  made,  the  date  of  the  shipment 
(which  must  correspond  with  the  date  of  the  waybills  and 
other  papers),  the  name  of  the  transportation  company,  and 
the  name  of  the  place  of  destination.  Each  of  the  waybills,  con- 
ductors' manifests,  memoranda,  and  bills  of  lading  pertain- 


QUARANTINE  AND  TRANSPORTATION.    223 

ing  to  such  shipments  by  cars  or  boats  shall  have  the  words 
"DIPPED  SCABBY  SHEEP"  or  "EXPOSED  SHEEP  FOR 
SLAUGHTER,"  as  the  case  may  be,  written  or  stamped  upon 
its  face.  Whenever  such  shipments  are  transferred  to  another 
transportation  company  or  into  other  cars  or  boats,  or  are 
rebilled  or  reconsigned  to  a  point  other  than  the  original 
destination  the  cars  or  boats  into  which  said  sheep  are  trans- 
ferred and  the  new  waybills,  conductors'  manifests,  memo- 
randa, and  bills  of  lading  covering  such  shipments  by  cars 
or  boats  shall  be  marked  as  herein  specified  for  cars  or  boats 
first  carrying  said  sheep  and  for  the  billing,  etc.,  covering 
the  same.  If  for  any  reason  the  placards  required  by  this 
regulation  are  removed  from  the  car  or  boat  or  are  destroyed 
or  rendered  illegible,  they  shall  be  immediately  replaced  by 
the  transportation  company  or  its  agents,  the  intention  being 
that  legible  placards  shall  be  maintained  on  the  cars  or 
boats  from  the  time  of  shipment  until  they  arrive  at  destination, 
and  the  disposition  of  the  cars  or  boats  is  indicated  by  an 
inspector  of  the  Bureau  of  Animal  Industry. 

PERMITTED   DIPS. 

SECTION  5.  Paragraph  1. — The  dip  at  present  permitted  by 
the  department  for  the  treatment  under  official  supervision 
of  sheep  affected  with  or  exposed  to  scabies  is  the  lime-sul- 
phur dip  made  in  the  proportion  of  8  pounds  of  unslaked  lime 
(or  11  pounds  of  commercial  hydrated  lime — not  air-slaked 
lime)  and  24  pounds  of  flowers  of  sulphur  to  100  gallons  of 
water.  The  dipping  bath  should  be  used  at  a  temperature 
of  100°  to  105°  F.,  and  must  at  all  times  be  maintained  at  a 
strength  of  not  less  than  iy2  per  cent  of  "sulphid  sulphur," 
as  indicated  by  the  Bureau  of  Animal  Industry  field  test  for 
lime-sulphur  baths. 

Paragraph  2. — A  proprietary  brand  of  lime-sulphur  solution 
may  be  used  in  official  dipping  only  after  specific  permission 
therefor  has  been  issued  by  the  Bureau  of  Animal  Industry. 
No  dip  other  than  the  lime-sulphur  dip  will  hereafter  be  given 
department  permission  for  use  in  the  official  dipping  of  sheep 
for  scabies  unless  it  has  been  shown  to  the  satisfaction  of 
the  Bureau  of  Animal  Industry  (1)  that  the  strength  of  the 
bath  prepared  therefrom  may  be  satisfactorily  determined  in 
the  field  by  a  practical  portable  testing  outfit;  (2)  that,  under 
actual  field  conditions,  the  dipping  of  sheep  in  a  bath  of  def- 
inite strength  will  effectually  eradicate  scabies  infection  with- 
out injury  to  the  animals  dipped. 

LOSSES   FROM    DIPPING. 

SECTION  6.  The  dipping  shall  be  done  carefully  and  the 
sheep  handled  as  humanely  as  possible.  The  department  dis- 
claims responsibility  for  any  loss  or  damage  resulting  from 
dipping,  and  those  who  wish  to  avoid  any  risks  that  may  be 
incident  to  dipping  at  the  stockyards,  as  well  as  to  avoid 
liability  to  prosecution,  should  see  that  their  sheep  are  free 
from  disease  before  shipping  them  to  market. 


224  SHEEP  DISEASES. 


SHEEP   DISEASED   OR    EXPOSED    IN    TRANSIT. 

SECTION  7.  Sheep  shipped  interstate  under  a  certificate  from 
an  inspector  of  the  Bureau  of  Animal  Industry  are  not  guaran- 
teed uninterrupted  transit,  for  in  the  event  of  the  discovery 
of  scabies  or  of  exposure  thereto  en  route  the  sheep  shall  there- 
after be  handled  as  diseased  or  exposed  sheep,  as  hereinbefore 
provided,  and  the  cars  or  other  vehicles  and  the  chutes,  alleys, 
and  pens  which  have  been  occupied  by  them  shall  be  cleaned 
and  disinfected,  as  hereinafter  provided  in  section  9  of  this 
regulation. 

SHIPMENTS  FROM   PUBLIC  STOCKYARDS. 

SECTION  8.  Paragraph  1. — Public  stockyards  shall  be  con- 
sidered infectious  and  the  sheep  yarded  therein  as  having 
been  exposed  to  the  disease,  and  no  sheep  shall  be  shipped 
interstate  therefrom,  except  for  immediate  slaughter,  without 
dipping.  Where,  however,  a  part  of  all  of  the  stockyards  is 
reserved  and  set  apart  for  the  reception  of  uninfected  ship- 
ments of  sheep  and  is  kept  free  of  disease,  sheep  may  be 
shipped  interstate  from  the  uninfectious  yards  or  portions 
thereof  without  dipping. 

Paragraph  2. — If  diseased  sheep  are  introduced  into  the 
uninfectious  yards  or  portions  thereof,  they  shall  be  imme- 
diately removed  therefrom  and  the  chutes,  alleys,  and  pens 
occupied  by  the  said  sheep  shall  be  thoroughly  cleaned  and 
disinfected.  No  sheep  shall  be  shipped  interstate  from  any 
stockyards  where  an  inspector  of  the  Bureau  of  Animal  In- 
dustry is  stationed  without  a  certificate  of  inspection  or  of 
dipping  issued  by  the  said  inspector. 

DISINFECTION  OF  CARS,  PREMISES,  ETC. 

SECTION  9.  Cars  and  other  vehicles,  yards,  pens,  sheds, 
chutes,  etc.,  that  have  contained  diseased  sheep  shall  be  cleaned 
and  disinfected  in  the  following  manner:  Remove  all  litter 
and  manure  and  then  saturate  the  interior  .surfaces  of  the 
cars  and  woodwork,  flooring,  and  ground  of  the  chutes,  alleys, 
and  pens  with  a  solution  made  with  6  ounces  of  95  per  cent 
pure  carbolic  acid  to  each  gallon  of  water,  or  a  solution  con- 
taining 4  ounces  of  cresol  compound  U.  S.  P.  to  each  gallon 
of  water.  When  either  disinfectant  is  used  sufficient  lime 
(not  to  exceed  l1/^  pounds  per  gallon)  should  be  added  to  show 
where  it  has  been  applied.  Cars  and  premises  are  not  re- 
quired to  be  cleaned  and  disinfected  on  account  of  their  hav- 
ing contained  "dipped  scabby  sheep"  that  have  been  dipped 
within  10  days  or  sheep  that  have  been  exposed  to  scabies. 

AMENDMENT  6  TO  B.  A.  I.  ORDER  210. 
Effective  on  and  after  February  1,  1916. 
UNITED  STATES  DEPARTMENT  OF  AGRICULTURE, 

OFFICE  OF  THE  SECRETARY. 

Under  authority  conferred  upon  the  Secretary  of  Agricul- 
ture by  the  provisions  of  the  acts  of  Congress  approved  May 


QUARANTINE  AND  TRANSPORTATION.    225 

29,  1884  (23  Stat.,  31),  February  2,  1903  (32  Stat,  791),  and 
March  3,  1905  (33  Stat,  1264),  as  amended  by  the  act  ap- 
proved March  4,  1913  (37  Stat,  828,  831),  it  is  ordered  that 
regulation  1,  section  4;  regulation  2,  sections  4  and  8;  regula- 
tion 3,  section  12;  regulation  4,  section  9;  regulation  5,  sec- 
tions 2  and  3;  and  regulation  7,  section  2,  of  B.  A.  I.  Order 
210,  "Regulations  Governing  the  Interstate  Movement  of  Live 
Stock,"  dated  May  20,  1914,  and  effective  July  1,  1914,  as 
amended,  be,  and  the  same  are  hereby,  further  amended  so 
as  to  permit  the  use  of  "saponified  cresol  solution"  as  a  sub- 
stitute for  compound  solution  of  cresol  U.  S.  P.  in  the  disin- 
fection of  cars,  boats,  other  vehicles,  and  premises  that  have 
contained  live  stock  affected  with  a  contagious  or  communi- 
cable disease,  for  the  disinfection  of  swine  to  prevent  the 
spread  of  hog  cholera  and  swine  plague,  and  for  preparing 
a  dressing  for  sheep  to  prevent  the  spread  of  lip-and-leg 
ulceration  (necrobacillosis) ;  provided,  however,  that  such 
saponified  cresol  solution  shall  conform  to  the  following  re- 
quirement: 

1.  The  formula  of  the  product  shall  employ  not  less  than 
28  per  cent  by  weight  of  linseed  oil.     Either  caustic  potash, 
caustic  soda,  or  a  mixture  of  caustic  potash  and  caustic  soda 
may  be  used   to  saponify  the   linseed   oil.     The   cresol   used 
must  be  at  least  95  per  cent  pure,  and  enough  of  this  com- 
mercial grade  of  cresol   (cresylic  acid)   must  be  employed  in 
compounding  the  disinfectant  to  bring  the  actual  amount  of 
cresol  in  the  finished  product  up  to  50  per  cent. 

2.  The  product  shall  remain   a  homogeneous  liquid   when 
cooled  to  32°  F.    It  shall  contain  substantially  no  unsaponified 
linseed  oil  or  excess  alkali.     It   shall  be  readily  soluble  in 
cold   distilled   water;    the   solution   shall   be   practically   clear 
and  shall  contain  no  globules  of  undissolved  oil  or  cresylic 
acid. 

3.  Manufacturers  wishing  to  offer  saponified  cresol  solution 
as  indicated  above  for  use  in  official  disinfection  must  first 
submit  a  sample  of  at  least  8  ounces  for  examination,  together 
with  a  statement  of  the  formula  employed  and  a  guaranty  that 
the  product  will  be  maintained  of  a  quality  uniform  with  the 
sample  submitted. 

4.  To  prevent  confusion,   each   product  must  bear   a  dis- 
tinctive trade  name  or  brand,  together  with  the  name  of  the 
manufacturer  or  distributor.1     There  shall  be  no  mention  of 
the  United  States  Department  of  Agriculture  or  the  Bureau 
of    Animal    Industry    on    the    labels,    containers,    or    printed 
matter  accompanying  products  permitted  to  be  used  in  offi- 


iA  "Rule  to  prevent  the  spread  of  scabies  in  sheep"  is  in  ef- 
fect through  the  entire  year.  This  rule  prescribes  the  quar- 
antined area  in  the  respective  States  and  should  be  considered 
in  connection  with  these  regulations.  Copies  of  the  rule  may 
be  obtained  from  the  Chief  of  the  Bureau  of  Animal  Industry, 
Washington,  D.  C.  .  • .  -..v 


226  SHEEP  DISEASES. 


cial  disinfection.  The  permitted  saponified  cresol  solution 
shall  be  used  at  a  dilution  of  at  least  4  ounces  of  the  solution 
to  1  gallon  of  water. 

It  is  further  ordered  that  the  regulations  hereinbefore  speci- 
fied be,  and  the  same  are,  modified  and  amended  to  permit 
the  use  of  substances  for  disinfecting  infectious  cars,  boats, 
other  vehicles,  and  premises,  as  follows: 

Compound  solution  of  cresol  U.  S.  P.,  or  a  specifically  per- 
mitted brand  of  "saponified  cresol  solution,"  at  a  dilution  of 
at  least  4  fluid  ounces  to  1  gallon  of  water,  or  liquefied  phenol 
U.  S.  P.  (liquefied  carbolic  acid)  at  a  dilution  of  at  least  6 
fluid  ounces  to  1  gallon  of  water,  without  the  addition  of  lime 
to  show  where  the  solution  has  been  applied.  Chlorid  of  lime 
U.  S.  P.  (strength,  30  per  cent  available  chlorin).  This  chlorid 
of  lime  solution  to  be  used  at  a  dilution  of  1  pound  of  chlorid 
of  lime  to  3  gallons  of  water. 

Amendment  5  to  B.  A.  I.  Order  210,  dated  September  17, 
1915,  shall  cease  to  be  effective  February  1,  1916,  on  and  after 
which  date  this  amendment,  which  for  the  purpose  of  identi- 
fication is  designated  as  Amendment  6  to  B.  A.  I.  Order  210, 
shall  be  effective. 

Done  at  Washington  this  20th  day  of  January,  1916. 

Witness  my  hand  and  the  seal  of  the  Department  of  Agri- 
culture. 

D.  F.  HOUSTON,  Secretary  of  Agriculture. 

SECTION  5.  Paragraph  1. — The  dips  at  present  permitted  by 
the  department  for  the  treatment,  under  official  supervision, 
of  sheep  affected  with  or  exposed  to  scabies  are  as  follows: 

Lime-sulphur  dip  made  in  the  proportion  of  8  pounds  of 
unslaked  lime  (or  11  pounds  of  commercial  hydrated  lime — 
not  air-slaked  lime)  and  24  pounds  of  flowers  of  sulphur  or 
sulphur  flour  to  100  gallons  of  water. 

Nicotin  dip  containing  not  less  than  five  one-hundredths 
of  1  per  cent  of  nicotin,  provided  there  is  added  thereto  to 
prevent  reinfection  2  per  cent  of  flowers  of  sulphur  or  sulphur 
flour. 

The  dipping  bath  should  be  used  at  a  temperature  of  100° 
to  105°  F.,  and  must  at  all  times  be  maintained  at  a  strength 
of  not  less  than  ll/2  per  cent  of  "sulphid  sulphur"  in  the  case 
of  the  lime-sulphur  dip,  and  not  less  than  five  one-hundredths 
of  1  per  cent  of  nicotin  in  the  case  of  the  nicotin  dip  as  in- 
dicated by  the  field  tests  for  such  baths  approved  by  the 
Bureau  of  Animal  Industry. 

This  amendment,  which  for  the  purpose  of  identification  is 
designated  as  Amendment  4  to  B.  A.  I.  Order  210,  shall  be 
effective  on  and  after  March  1,  1915. 

Done  at  Washington  this  20th  day  of  February,   1915. 

Witness  my  hand  and  the  seal  of  the  Department  of  Agri- 
culture. 

D.  F.  HOUSTON,  Secretary  of  Agriculture. 


QUARANTINE  AND  TRANSPORTATION.     227 

2.    State  Regulations. 

State  laws  in  regard  to  sheep  are  continually 
changing  due  to  unforeseen  contingencies.  The 
most  attention  has  been  given  state  inspection 
in  the  Rocky  Mountain  region,  which  is  the  home 
of  perhaps  one-half  the  sheep  in  this  country. 

In  brief,  the  laws  of  the  several  states  may  be 
summarized  as  follows: 

1.  Those  states  at  present  having  no  laws  re- 
garding the  admission  of  sheep  into  their  boun- 
daries from  other  states  are:    Arkansas,    Con- 
necticut,   Delaware,    Georgia,    Illinois,    Kansas, 
Maine,  Maryland,  Massachusetts,  Michigan,  Mis- 
souri, New  Hampshire,  New  Jersey,  Ohio,  Okla- 
homa, Pennsylvania,  Rhode  Island,  Vermont  and 
Virginia. 

2.  Those   states   requiring  a   "health  certifi- 
cate, ' '  at  present,  are :  Alabama,  Iowa,  Kentucky, 
Louisiana,     Minnesota,     Mississippi,     Nebraska, 
North  Carolina,  North  Dakota,  South  Carolina, 
South  Dakota,  Tennessee,  Texas,  Washington  and 
West  Virginia. 

3.  Those  requiring  compliance  to  Federal  reg- 
ulations,  at  present,  are:    Arizona,    California, 
Colorado  and  Florida. 

4.  States  accepting  only  their   own   officials' 
inspection  and  dipping  the  sheep  before  entering 
their  boundaries  if  from  a  state  under  Federal 
quarantine,  at  present,  are:  Idaho,  Montana,  Ne- 
vada, New  Mexico,  Oregon,  Utah  and  Wyoming. 

Space  forbids  giving  the  state  laws  at  length; 
and,  furthermore,  they  are  of  interest  to  only 
a  limited  number. 


228  SHEEP  DISEASES. 

LIST  OF  PUBLICATIONS  CONSULTED. 

Hutyra  and  Marek's  Pathology. 

Friedberger  and  Frohner's  Pathology. 

Moore's  Pathology. 

Kinsley's  Pathology. 

Sisson's  Anatomy. 

Holler's  Surgery. 

William's  Obstetrics. 

Quitman's  Materia  Medica. 

Craig's  Sheep  Farming. 

Wing's  Sheep  Farming  in  America. 

Kleinheinz's  Sheep  Management. 

Stewart's  Shepherds'  Manual. 

Barnes'  Western  Grazing  Grounds. 

BULLETINS. 

No.  20,  Div.  of  Botany,  U.  S.  Dept.  Agr. 

No.  20,  Div.  Bureau  Animal  Industry 

Farmers'  Bulletin  575 

Farmers'  Bulletin  713. 

No.  88,  Wyo.  Exp.  Sta. 

No.  99,  Wyo.  Exp.  Sta. 

No.  113,  Colo.  Exp.  Sta. 

No.  211,  Colo.  Exp.  Sta. 

No.  86,  Ida.  Exp.  Sta. 

PERIODICALS. 

American  Journal  of  Veterinary  Medicine. 
American  Sheep  Breeder. 
Breeder's  Gazette. 
National  Wool  Grower. 
The  Country  Gentleman. 


INDEX 


Aconite,  poisoning  by 193 

Aconitum 193 

Abdominal  dropsy 121 

Abnormalities  of  the  milk.  .143 
Abortion,  contagious  .  .  .96,  139 

Abortion,  enzootic  139 

Abortion,  sporadic  or 

accidental  139 

Abscesses  149 

Accidental  abortion 139 

Acetabulum  55 

Acne  128 

Aetinomyces  bovis  96 

Actinomycosis  96 

Acute  infectious  diseases.  .  .  84 
Administering  medicines  .  .  76 

Adrenals 59 

Alkali  poisons 183 

Alopecia .127 

Amputation  of  the  claws.  .  .151 

Anatomy  53 

Anemia 99 

Animal  poisons  209 

Animals,  predatory 210 

Anthracemia  84 

Anthrax  84 

Anthrax,  symptomatic 87 

Anus,  imperforate  132 

Apoplexy  124 

Aphthae  epizooticae  90 

Aragallus  lamberti  191 

Argali  15 

Arsenical  poisoning,  acute.  .180 
Arsenical  poisoning, 

chronic  180 

Arterial  system 61 

Ascites  121 

Ascites,  sanguineous  100 

Astragalus  mollissimu*  ...191 
Agalactia  144 

Bacillus  anthracis   84 

Bacillus  bipolaris  septicus.133 
Bacillus  coli 

communis    133,   135 


Bacillus  cyanogenus  144 

Bacillus  edematis  maligni..  85 

Bacillus  necrophorus 97 

Bacillus  necrosis  152 

Bacillus  ovisepticus 88 

Bacillus  prodigiosus  144 

Bacillus  pseudotuberculosis 

ovis  95 

Bacillus  synxanthum 144 

Bacillus  tetani  92 

Baldness 127 

Bacterium  Chauveaui  87 

Bacterium  tuberculosis  ....  95 

Bear  217 

Bearded  grasses  206 

Belly-ache  116 

Bibliography 228 

Big  head 131 

Big  jaw 96 

Bile  duct  58 

Black-faced  highland 52 

Blackleg 87 

Black  quarter 87 

Bladder  59 

Bladder,  paralysis  of  the.  .  .122 
Bladder,  puncture  of  the.  .  .150 

Blasting  112 

Bleeding  from  the  nose ....  108 

Bloat  112 

Blood,  diseases  of  the 99 

Blood  poisoning 98,  133 

Blood,  quantity  of 61 

Bloody  urine 147 

Blow-fly  165 

Blue  bag  143 

Blue  bean  192 

Blue  milk  144 

Bot-fly 168 

Bowels,  inflammation  of 

the  ..117 

Bowels,  impaction  of  the.  .  .115 

Bow-legs 102 

Bradsot  87 

Brain,  concussion  of  the...  148 
Brain,  diseases  of  the 124 


229 


230 


INDEX 


Braxy   87 

Breeds,  classification  of ....   24 

Breeds,  history  of  the 15 

Breeds,  lesser  known 51 

Bronchitis,  non-parasitic    .  .  109 

Bronchitis,  verminous 169 

Buck,  care  of  the 73 

Buckwheat  rash 128 

Bulletins  consulted    228 

Calculi,  renal    105 

Calculi,  urinary    74,  146 

Calendar,  shepherd's   68 

Caked  bag  143 

Camas,  death    190 

Canine   rage    93 

Canker  of  the  foot 152 

Carbolic  acid 81 

Carbolic  acid  poisoning.  .  .  .183 

Carceag    97 

Care,  general 64 

Care  of  the  buck 73 

Care  of  the  ewe 69 

Care  of  the  lamb 71 

Carpal  joints 56 

Carpus 54 

Carrying  sheep   67 

Caseous  lymphadenitis 95 

Castration  of  lambs 72 

Catarrh,  nasal 108,  168 

Catarrhal   fever    88 

Catarrhal  fever,  malarial .  .    97 

Catching  sheep 66 

Cecum 58 

Cheeks    56 

Cheviot 39 

Chilled  lambs 71 

Chlorid  of  lime 81 

Choke    Ill 

Choke  cherry,  poisoning  by.  195 

Cicuta  occidentalis 194 

Circulatory  organs,  diseases 

of  the   106 

Circulatory  system 61 

Classification   of  breeds.  ...    24 

Claviceps  purpurea   197 

Claws,  amputation  of  the..  151 
Claws,  erythema  of  the.  . .  .128 

Clog 115 

Cochlearia  armoracia 204 

Colic   116 

Colon    58 

Common  salt  poisoning.  .  .  .184 
Common  scab    154 


Concussion  of  the  brain ....  148 

Conium  maculatum 203 

Congenital  defects  of  lambs.  132 
Congestion  of  the  lungs.  .  .  .  109 

Constipation    115 

Consumption   95 

Contagious  abortion   ...  96,  139 

Convulsions  124 

Copper  poisoning 181 

Cord,  diseases  of  the 124 

Corriedale    51 

Cotswold 48 

Cotton  seed  meal,  poisoning 

by 201 

Cougar    216 

Cowbane     194 

Coyote 213 

Cranium 53 

Cross-bred  sheep  .  .  . 52 

Croton  oil,  poisoning  by... 203 

Croupous  enteritis 118 

Curdling  milk 144 

Cystic  kidneys 123,  105 

Cystitis    105 

Cysts,  abdominal    123 

Deadly  nightshade 

poisoning  by   198 

Death  camas,  poisoning  by.  190 
Decomposition  of  the  fetus.  140 

Defects,   congenital    132 

Delphinum  192 

Diabetes   103 

Diaphragm     56 

Diarrhea 117 

Diarrhea,   infectious    135 

Diarrhea,  non-contagious   .  .  134 

Digestive  system    56 

Digestive  system,  diseases 

of  the Ill 

Digitalis  poisoning    202 

Digits   55 

Dipping    157 

Dipping,  losses  from 223 

Dip,  lime  and  sulphur 157 

Dip,   nicotin    161 

Dip,  tobacco    161 

Dips    77 

Dips  permitted  by 

government    223 

Diseases  and  exposed  sheep 
transportation   require- 
ments for 222 

Diseases,  acute  infectious .  .    84 


INDEX 


231 


Diseases  of  the  blood 90 

Diseases  of  the  brain  and 

cord  124 

Diseases  of  the  circulatory 

organs  106 

Diseases  of  the  digestive 

system  Ill 

Diseases  of  the  ewe 138 

Diseases  of  the  heart 

valvular  107 

Diseases  of  the  lamb 132 

Diseases  of  the  liver  120 

Diseases  of  metabolism  ...102 
Diseases  of  obscure  origin .  .130 
Diseases  of  the  organ  of 

locomotion  126 

Diseases  of  the  peritoneum.  121 
Diseases  of  rambs  and 

wethers  146 

Diseases  of  the  respiratory 

organs  108 

Diseases  of  the  skin,  non- 
parasitic  127 

Diseases  of  the  urinary  . 

organs 104 

Diseases,  parasitic 153 

Diseases,  surgical 148 

Diseased  teeth 148 

Disinfectants 81 

Disinfection  of  cars, 

premises,  etc 224 

Dislocations 151 

Disorders  of  gestation 138 

Displacement  of  the  uterus.  141 

Distoma  hepaticum  . 173 

Distomatosis  173 

Dorset 43 

Dosage  of  medicines 77 

Drenching  76 

Dropsy,  abdominal  121 

Dropsy  of  the  pericardium.  106 
Drugs  frequently  used, 

table  of * 78 

Drying  up  115 

Dry  rot 121,  154 

Dry  scab  154 

Dysenteria  neonatorium  .  .  .135 

Dysentery  117 

Dystocia 139 

Ear    61 

Eating  wool 102 

Echinococcus  polymorphous.  105 
Eclampsia  125.  142 


Eczema 

Edema  malignum 

Elbow  joint 

Emergency  medicine  case.  . 
Emergency  treatment  in 

poisoning   

Emphysema,  gangrenous  .  . 

Encephalitis    

Ensilage  poisoning 

Enteritis 

Enteritis,  croupous    

Enteritis,  mycotic 

Enteritis,  non-toxic 

Enteritis,  toxic 

Enzootic  abortion 

Epididymis    

Epilepsy 

Epistaxis    

Epsom  salt  poisoning 

Ergot,   poisoning  by 

Erysipelas    

Erythema  of  the  claws... 
Esophagostomum 

Columbianum    

Esophagus    

Esophagus,  obstruction  of 

the 

Estrum 

Estrus  ovis 1(5(1, 

Ethmoid   

Ewe,  care  of  the.  . 

Ewe,  diseases  of  the 

Ewe,  restraint  of.  during 

parturition    

Extensors     

External  parasites 

Eve   . 


Face    

Falling  out  of  wool 

Fallopian  tubes    

Fardel  bound 

Fasciola  hepaticum 

Fat  scab 

Fatty  milk 

Federal  regulations   

Feeding    

Female  genital  organs .  .  . 

Femur 

Fermenting  milk 

Fetus,  decomposition  of 

the    

Fetuses,  mummified 

Fibula  . 


.128 

.  85 
.  55 

.  80 

.188 
.  87 
.124 
,206 
.117 
,118 
.118 
.117 
.119 
.139 
.  60 
,124 
.108 
.184 
.107 
.154 
.128 

.175 

.  58 

,111 
,  69 

168 

,  53 

69 

138 

139 
56 

154 
61 

53 

127 

60 

115 

173 

128 

144 

221 

67 

60 

55 

144 

140 

123 

55 


232 


INDEX 


Fine  wools,  the 24 

Fits 124 

Flax  poisoning   204 

Fleas ' 166 

Flies ..166 

Foot-and-mouth  disease    ...    90 

Foot,  canker  of  the 152 

Foot  rot 97 

Foot  scab 163 

Formalin 81 

Fractures 151 

Frontals   53 

Front   limb 54 

Fur-bearing  sheep    51 

Gangrenous    emphysema     .  .    87 

Gastromycosis  ovis    87 

General  care   64 

Genital  organs,  female   ....    60 

Genital  organs,  male 60 

Gestation   69 

Gestation,  disorders  of 138 

Gid 124,  167 

Glanders 96 

Glauber's   salt  poisoning.  ..  184 

Gleet 168 

Grapes    95 

Grasses,  bearded 206 

Grass  staggers    115 

Gravel 146 

Greasy  heels   128 

Grub  in  the  head 168 

Hampshire 36 

Handling    66 

Head,  grub  in  the 168 

Head  scab  163 

Heart,  valvular  diseases 

of  the   107 

Heart    61 

Heart,  hypertrophy  of  the.  107 

Heat  stroke ". 124 

Helenium  montanum 199 

Hellebore    196 

Hematuria  104 

Hematuria-ictero    97 

Hemlock  poisoning 203 

Hemorrhage  from  the  nose .  108 
Hemorrhage,  umbilical  ....  132 
Hemorrhagic  septicemia  ...  88 

Hepatitis    120 

Hernia     132,  146 

Highland,  black-faced   52 


Hip  joint  56 

History  of  the  breeds 15 

Hock  joint 56 

Hoose    169 

Horse   radish  poisoning.  .  .  .204 

Hoven .112 

Humerus 54 

Husk 169 

Hydrometra     123 

Hydrophobia    93 

Hydrops  ascites 121 

Hygiene    63 

Hymenoxys  floribunda 200 

Hyoid    54 

Hyoid  muscles 56 

Hypertrophy  of  the  heart.  .107 
Hypodermic  medication  ...  77 

Ictero-hematuria  97 

Icterus  120 

Ilia  55 

Immediate  slaughter,  sheep 

for 222 

Impaction  of  the  bowels.  .  .  .115 
Impaction  of  the  rumen.  .  .  .114 

Imperforate  anus 132 

Impotence 147 

Indian  poke  root  196 

Infectious  diarrhea  135 

Infectious  diseases,  acute.  .  84 
Inflammation  of  the  bowels.  117 
Inflammation  of  the 

kidneys 105 

Inflammation  of  the  liver.  .  .120 
Inflammation  of  the  lungs .  .  109 
Inflammation  of  the 

pleura 110 

Inflammation  of  the  udder .  .  1.43 
Inflammation  of  the  womb 

or  uterus 142 

Injuries  149 

Internal  parasites  166 

Interparietals 53 

Intertrigo  128 

Intestines ;  .  58 

Ischium  55 

Itch,  non-parasitic 127 

Ivy  . ....196 


Japp  disease 
Jaundice     .  .  . 
Joint-ill 
Joints   . 


109 

120 

... 133 

.    55 


INDEX 


233 


Kafir  corn,  poisoning  by ...  205 

Kalmia  angustifolia 196 

Kalmia  latifolia 196 

Karakul   51 

Kent   51 

Kidneys    59 

Kidneys,  cystic 105 

Kidneys,  inflammation  of 
the 105 

Lamb,  care  of  the 71 

Lamb,  diseases  of  the 132 

Lambing 70 

Lambing,  difficult 139 

Lambkill 196 

Lambs,  castration  of 72 

Lambs,  chilled 71 

Lambs,  pustular  eruption 

of  137 

Lambs,  reviving 

"lifeless"  71,  132 

Lambs,  weaning  of .  . 73 

Lacrimal  bone 54 

Laminitis 114 

Larynx  58 

Larkspur,  poisoning  by.  ...  192 

Laurel,  poisoning  by 196 

Leading  sheep 66 

Lead  poisoning,  acute 178 

Lead  poisoning,  chronic.  .  .  .179 

Leicester  44 

Lice 165 

Ligaments  55 

Ligamentum  nuchae  55 

Limb,  front  54 

Limb,  pelvic  55 

Lime  and  sulphur  dip 157 

Lime  poisoning 185 

Lincoln 48 

Linum  usitatissimum  204 

Lip-and-leg  ulceration  ....  97 

Lips 56 

Liquor  cresolis  compound..  81 

Liver  58 

Liver,  diseases  of  the 120 

Liver-fluke  173 

Liver,  inflammation  of  the.  120 

Liver  rot  173 

Loading  sheep 67 

Lobelia  190 

Lockjaw  92 

Locomotory  organs,  diseases 

of 126 

Loco,  poisoning  by 191 


Long  wools,  the 44 

Louping-ill 130 

Lucilia  macellaria   165 

Lumpy  jaw 96 

Lung  fever 109 

Lung  worms    169 

Lungs   59 

Lungs,  congestion  of  the .  .  .  109 
Lungs,  inflammation  of  the.  109 

Lupine,   poisoning  by 192 

Lupinosis  120 

Lupinus    192 

Lymphadenitis,    ovine 

caseous   95 

Lymph  system    ...........    61 

Lynx 215 

Lyssa    93 

Mad-dog  93 

Mad-staggers 130 

Maggots  165 

Malar  bone  54 

Malarial  catarrhal  fever...  97 

Male  genital  organs 60 

Malignant  edema  85 

Malignant  pustule 84 

Mammary  glands 60 

Mammitis  143 

Mandible  54 

Mange 154 

Masseter  56 

Mastitis  143 

Maxilla  54 

Meconium,  retention  of  the.  133 
Medicines  and  their 

administration  75 

Medicine  case,  emergency .  .  80 

Medicines,  dosage  of 77 

Medium  wools,  the 31 

Melophagus  ovinus  163 

Mercurial  poisoning  182 

Mercuric  chlorid  81 

Merino  24 

Metabolism,  diseases  of .  .  .  .102 
Metacarpo-phalangeal 

joints  56 

Metacarpus  55 

Metatarsus  55 

Meteorism  112 

Metritis  142 

Miescher's  tubules 175 

Milk,  abnormalities  of  the.  143 

Milk,  absence  of 144 

Milk  analysis  72 


INDEX 


Milk,  blue  144 

Milk,   curdling    144 

Milk  disease   142 

Milk,    fatty 144 

Milk,  fermenting   144 

Milk,  foreign  matter  in ....  145 

Milk,   putrescent    144 

Milk,  red  144 

Milk,   slimy,   stringy 

and  soapy 144 

Milk,  watery 144 

Milk,  yellow   144 

Mineral  acid  poisoning 183 

Mineral  poisons   178 

Monieza  (Taenia)  alba.  .  .  .  174 
Monieza  (Taenia)  expansa. 174 

Monkshood 193 

Mouflon    15 

Muscular  system   56 

Musimon    15 

Mycosis   intestinal  is    84. 

Mycotic  enteritis    118 

Nasal  catarrh 108 

Nasal  bones 54 

Nasal  cavity   58 

Navel-ill  133 

Necrotic  stomatitis    137 

Nephritis   lOo 

Nervous  system    61 

"Nibbling"  disease 130 

Nicotiana 202 

Nicotin  dip   161 

Nodular  disease   175 

Non-contagious  diarrhea  .  .  .134 
Non-parasitic  bronchitis  .  .  .  109 
Non-parasitic  diseases  of 

the  skin   127 

Non-parasitic  itch    127 

Non-toxic  enteritis 117 

Nose,  hemorrhage  from  the.  108 
Nostrils  58 

Obesity 102 

Obscure  origin,  diseases  of .  1 30 
Obstruction  of  the 

esophagus !  ....  Ill 

Occipital 53 

Olfactory  organs 62 

Omphalophlebitis   133 

Ovaries 60 

Oxford    .  .   35 


Palate     56 

Palatine  bone    54 

Panaritium    152 

Panniculus 56 

Parasites,  external 154 

Parasites,  internal   166 

Paralysis    125 

Paralysis  of  the  bladder  .  .  .  122 

Parasitic  diseases 153 

Parietals    53 

Parturient  paresis   142 

Parturition,  difficult    139 

Pasteur  treatment 94 

Patella    55 

Pearly  disease 95 

Pelvic  limb   55 

Penis    60 

Pericardium    61 

Pericardium,  dropsy  of  the.  106 

Pericarditis   ' 106 

Periodicals  consulted 228 

Peritoneum,  diseases  of  the.  121 

Peritonitis   123 

Persian 52 

Pertoleum  poisoning   185 

Phalanges     55 

Pharynx 58 

Phosphorus  poisoning 181 

Piles 119 

Pingue    200 

Pining    100 

Piroplasmosis    97 

Pleurisy 110 

Pleurit'is    109,  110 

Pneumonia 109 

Poisons 177 

Poisons,  alkali    183 

Poison  ivy   205 

Poisons,   mineral    178 

Poison  oak,  poisoning  by.  .  .205 

Poison  sego 190 

Poison,    sumac    205 

Poisons,  vegetable    185 

Poisoning,  aconite    193 

Poisoning,    acute    arsenical.  180 

Poisoning,  acute  lead 178 

Poisoning,  blood 08,  133 

Poisoning,  carbolic  acid...  183 
Poisoning,  choke  cherry...  195 
Poisoning,  chronic 

arsenical    180 

Poisoning,  chronic  lead....  179 
Poisoning,  common  salt.  .  .  .184 


INDEX 


235 


Poisoning,  copper 181 

Poisoning,  cotton  seed 

meal    201 

Poisoning,   croton   oil 203 

Poisoning,  deadly 

nightshade     198 

Poisoning,  death  camas   ...190 

Poisoning,  digitalis   202 

Poisoning,    emergency 

treatment  in 188 

Poisoning,  ensilage 206 

Poisoning,  epsom  salt 184 

Poisoning,  ergot 197 

Poisoning,  flax 204 

Poisoning,  Glauber's  salt.  .  .184 

Poisoning,  hemlock   203 

Poisoning,  horse  radish ....  204 

Poisoning,  kafir   corn 205 

Poisoning,    larkspur    192 

Poisoning,  laurel    196 

Poisoning,  lime 185 

Poisoning,  loco   191 

Poisoning,  lupine   192 

Poisoning,  mercurial 182 

Poisoning,  mineral  acid   ...183 

Poisoning,   petroleum    185 

Poisoning,  phosphorus    .  .  .  .181 

Poisoning,  poison  oak 205 

Poisoning,  porcupine  grass. 207 
Poisoning,  potato  tops  ....  205 

Poisoning,  rape  seed 203 

Poisonings,  rare  mineral .  .  .  185 
Poisoning,  rubber  weed.  .  .  .200 

Poisoning,  saltpeter 183 

Poisoning,  sheep  dip 184 

Poisoning,    sneeze   weed.  ...  199 

Poisoning,  sorghum 205 

Poisoning,  strychnin   201 

Poisoning,  toadstool    204 

Poisoning,  tobacco 202 

Poisoning,  turpentine 202 

Poisoning,  uncommon  plant. 208 

Poisoning,  veratrum   196 

Poisoning  water  hemlock.  .  .194 

Poisoning  Avoody  aster 198 

Poisoning,  zinc 182 

Porcupine  grass  poisoning. 207 
Post  mortem  examinations.  82 
Potato  tops,  poisoning  by.  .205 

Pox   89 

Prairie  dog 218 

Predatory  animals 210 

Premaxilla  54 


Prepuce    60 

Prostate   60 

Prunus  demissa    195 

Pseudo-tuberculosis    95 

Psoroptes  communis  ovis.  .  .154 

Pterygoid  bone 54 

Publications  consulted    ....  228 

Pulex  avium   166 

Pulex  irritans 166 

Pulex  serraticeps   166 

Puncture  of  the  bladder.  ...  150 
Pustular  eruption  of  lambs.  137 

Pustule,  malignant    84 

Putrescent  milk 144 

Pyemia   98 

Pyometra  123 

Pyo-septicemia  of  suck- 
"lings    133 

Quarantine  regulations  .  .  .  .219 
Quarter  ill 87 

Rabies  93 

Rachitis  102 

Radius  54 

Rain-rot  128 

Rambouillet  31 

Rams,  diseases  of 146 

Rape  seed,  poisoning  by.  .  .203 

Rash  128 

Rattle  weed  191 

Red  milk 144 

Red  water  100 

Regulations,  quarantine 

and  transportation  219 

Regulations,  state 227 

Removal  of  contents 

of  rumen  150 

Renal  calculi  .  , 105 

Renal  inflammation 105 

Respiratory  organs, 

diseases  of  the  108 

Respiratory  system  58 

Restraint  of  ewe  during 

parturition  139 

Retention  of  the  meconium.133 
Reviving  "lifeless" 

lambs 71,  132 

Rheumatism  126 

Rhus  diversiloba  205 

Ribs  53 

Rickets  102 

Rinderpest  88 

Ring-worm 129 


236 


INDEX 


Romney    51 

Rubber  weed,  poisoning  by. 200 
Rumen,  impaction  of  the..  114 

Rumenotomy 150 

Rupture 132,  146 

Sacro-iliac  joint 56 

St.  Anthony's  fire  154 

Salivary  glands  58 

Salt  peter  poisoning 183 

Sanguineous  ascites 100 

Sarcocystis  tenella  175 

Sarcoptes  scabei  ovis 163 

Sarcosporidiosis  175 

Scab,  common 154 

Scab,  foot  163 

Scab,  head  163 

Scabies  affected  sheep, 

movement  of 221 

Scapula  54 

Scrotum 60 

Scurf  154 

Septicemia 98 

Septicemia  gangraenosa  ...  85 
Septicemia,  hemorrhagic  ...  88 
Septicemia  hemorrhagic 

ovum  88 

Sheep-dip  poisoning 184 

Sheep  exposed  in  transit.  .  .222 

Sheep  pox  89 

Sheep  scab 154 

Shepherd's  calendar  68 

Shipments  from  public 

stockyards  224 

Shipping  sheep  67 

Shoulder  joint  55 

Shropshire  31 

Skeleton  53 

Skin  61 

Sking  drying  .  . 132 

Skin,  non-parasitic 

diseases  of  the 127 

Skit 117 

Skull 53 

Smut  197 

Sneeze  wood,  poisoning  by.  199 

Snots 169 

Snufflles  108 

Solanum  nigrum 198 

Solar  eczema 128 

Sore  mouth  137 

Sorghums,  poisoning  by ....  205 

Southdown * 32 

Special  senses,  organs  of .  . .  61 


Spermatic  cord 60 

Sphenoid    53 

Spinal  cord  61 

Spleen 58 

Splenic  apoplexy    .  . 84 

Splenic   fever    .*. 84" 

Staggers 115 

State  regulations   227 

Sterility .145 

Sternum 53 

Stifle  joint 56 

Stipa  207 

•Stomach ,.    58 

Stomach  worms    ..........  171 

Stomatitis Ill,  137 

Stretches 116 

Strongylus  contort  us  ......  171 

Strongylus   filaria 169 

Strychnin  poisoning    201 

Sturdy    167 

Sucklings,   pyo-septicemia 

of     ....133 

Suffocation    132 

Suffolk   43 

Summer  scab    128 

Sun  stroke 124 

Surgical  diseases    148 

Suturing    149 

Symbiotes  scabei  ovis 163 

Symptomatic  anthrax 87 

Synovial  sacs    56 

Taenia  coenurus 167 

Tapeworms    174 

Tapeworm  cysts   105 

Tarsus    55 

Taste,  sense  of 62 

Teeth 57 

Teeth,  diseased   148 

Temporals    54 

Temporo-mandibular 

articulations   55 

Testicles   60 

Tetanus  92,  137 

Thoracic  cavity    59 

Thoracic  limb 54 

Thorax    53 

Thrush    :  .  ..137 

Thymus    59 

Thyroid    59 

Tibia     55 

Tibio-fibular  joint 56 

Ticks     163 

Toadstools,  poisoning  by .  .  .  204 


INDEX 


Tobacco  dip 161 

Tobacco  poisoning   202 

Tongue 57 

Tonsil   58 

Toxic  enteritis    119 

Trachea    59 

Transportation   regulations  .219 

Trembles    130 

Trichocephalus 

spherocephalus    165 

Trismus    92 

"Trotting"  diesase 130 

Tuberculosis    95 

Tunis    52 

Turbinals 54 

Turnsick 167 

Turpentine  poisoning 202 

Twist 115 

Udder,  inflammation  of  the.  143 

liberation,  lip-and-leg  97 

Ulna  54 

Umbilical  hemorrhage 132 

Uremia 104 

Ureter 59 

Urethra  60 

Urinary  calculi  74,  146 

Urinary  organs 59 

Urinary  organs,  diseases  of 

the 104 

Urine,  bloody  147 

Uterus  60 

Uterus,  displacement  of 

the 141 

Uterus,  inflammation  of 

the 142 

Vagina    60 

Valvular   diseases  of 

the  heart  107 

Variola  ovina   89 

Vas  deferens   60 

Vegetable  poisons 185 

Venous  system   61 


Veratrum,  poisoning  by.  ...  196 
Veratrum  viride  or 

speciosum     196 

Vermifuge  for  sheep  dogs..  168 
Verminous  bronchitis  ......  169 

Vertebrae 53 

Vesiculae  seminales 60 

Vomer     54 

Water  hemlock,  poisoning 

by    194 

Watery  milk 144 

Weaning  lambs 73 

Wethers,  diseases  of 146 

"White  plague"    95 

White  scours 135 

Wild  bean   192 

Wildcat 215 

Wildfire    154 

Wild  onion    190 

Wild  pea   192 

Wolf   216 

Wolfsbane    193 

Womb,  inflammation  of  the.  142 

Wooden  tongue 96 

Woody  aster,  poisoning  by.  198 

Wool  balls 115 

Wool,  caliber  of 61 

Wool  eating    102 

Wool  falling  out 127 

Wool  sorter's  disease 84 

Wools,  the  fine 24 

Wools,  the  long   44 

WTools,  the  medium 31 

Worms,  lung 169 

Worms,  stomach    171 

Xylorhiza  Parry i  (Gray)  .  .  .198 

Yellow   milk    144 

Yellows     120 

Zinc  poisoning    182 

Zygadenus  venenosus 190 


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